Hills Like White Elephants
Analysis of Abortion Topic as Presented in the story ‘Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway
The story ‘Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway is about a man (American) and a girl (Jig) who are waiting a train in Spanish train station and travel to Madrin. In Madrin, American wants the girl have an operation (abortion) but the girl dispassionately consents with the idea (Hemingway, 475). Writers who offer essay help online at Edudorm essay writing service notes that the important thing to note is that the conversation between the two is unclear because Jig does not want to abort while the man wants the operation done. The girl explored the scenery and reflects her mind on the happy life after having a child. She shows despair and they argue a lot to a point where he orders the man to keep quite (Hemingway, 477).
BEATY (51) rejects the issue of abortion as outlined in the story “Hills Like White Elephants,” and argues that women have pro-life choices and universal human right over their pregnancy. Lynn Paltrow and Jeanne Flavin conducted a study in U.S in year 1973-2005 and found that pregnant women were denied dignity and right and they were forced to abort. In 2014, research confirmed that states such as Tennesse passed laws and law was to put into effect to arrest the women who use drug while pregnant (Soderberg, 301). For many years, women have been arrested for child endangerment; drug delivery among other illegal issues. The article introduces the International Human Rights and asserts that human beings have inalienable rights. BEATY states that pregnant women have rights and their rights should protect from intrusion. Since women are discriminated and forced to abort, the Bills of rights have rights which protects women as well as their reproductive health. An important point is that people have the obligation to protect the human rights. Other states laws such as Tennessee’s fetal law states that pregnant women have the right to carry fetus and the practice of abortion is a threat to women’s life (Soderberg, 315). In this case, there should be not argument between Jig and America given that the girl has her human rights which not only protect her but also the fetus is protected. The important thing with the human rights is that it ensures both men and women enjoys equal rights regardless of race of color. In term of gender different, both men and women have socially constructed identities and both play important roles in the society. The girl should enjoy equal rights and live a healthy life.
Foster (5) asserts that abortion complication as outlined in the story “Hills Like White Elephants,” leads to maternal mortality. In addition, legal and ethical issue should guide the decision. Despite the fact that there are various methods of planning, unwanted pregnancy is at a high rate and many women go for induced abortion in unsafe circumstances. More than 80,000 deaths per year are brought by high risks of unsafe abortion (Melese et al, 2). The article argues that before undergoing for abortion procedure, it is important to understand the possible complications which occur afterwards. The article makes it clear that in 21 century, unsafe abortion is the major cause of death. The complications are associated with anemia and bleeding (Foster, 10). Experts who offer research essay help at Edudorm essay writing service indicates that in this case, the man should consider the complications which might occur after abortion. He should value life and take the responsibility and provide for the child. Jig should not change mind but she should carry the pregnancy and enjoy the blessing since children are gifts and blessing from God. Other point is that children bring joy not only to the family but also to the society. When children interact with family and society, there is a positive feeling, happiness and a meaningful life.
Warnke (128) brings the issue of women’s reproductive rights which was introduced by Margaret Sanger. The latter said that women have the basic right to control their families and to enjoy their reproductive rights. In addition, Sanger introduced the need for birth control and argues that if women have the right to control their reproduction, abortion cases will reduce, families will be strong and woman will enjoy legal and civil rights. Sanger emphasized the issue on basic human rights as outlined in the story “Hills Like White Elephants,” and states that women should have the right to control their body and should have a choice on when to get a child (Warnke, 128). In this case, Jig should have basic right and stand with her own principles. She should follow her interest and bear the child without man dominion. Her effort to create a family planning programs was to assist women in controlling their fertility, make life options, eliminate illegal sex discrimination and enjoy the countless opportunities in the society (Warnke, 128). Planned Parenthood has played a fundamental role in women’s life in that they now have the opportunity to control their fertility. The purpose of the family planning was to create a reproductive health, human sexuality and eliminate the challenges for unwanted pregnancy (Warnke, 129). Jig has a fundamental right to self-determination and so she should to enjoy her motherhood. A woman has the right to judge her reproduction and make choice on when a baby should come in the world.
Works Cited
FOSTER, SERRIN M. “The Feminist Case against Abortion. (Cover Story).” America, vol. 212, no. 2, 19 Jan. 2015, pp. 14-18.
Warnke, Georgia. “The Right to Choose: A Hermeneutic Inquiry.” Journal of Social Philosophy, vol. 46, no. 2, Summer2015, pp. 161-177.
BEATY, KATELYN. “The Power of Pro-Life Women.” Christianity Today, vol. 59, no. 7, Sept. 2015, pp. 25-26.
Melese, Tadele, et al. “High Levels of Post-Abortion Complication in a Setting Where Abortion Service Is Not Legalized.” Plus, ONE, vol. 12, no. 1, 06 Jan. 2017, pp. 1-13. EBSCOhost,
Hermingway Ernest. “Hills Like White Elephants”. from Charters, Ann, Ed. The Story and its Writer: An Introduction to Short Fiction. 6th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003.
Soderberg, Vanessa. “More Than Receptacles: An International Human Rights Analysis of Criminalizing Pregnancy in the United States.” Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law & Justice, vol. 31, no. 2, Oct. 2016, pp. 299-351.
