Language Analysis: Abortion

ABORTION
Abortion has always been a heavily debated topic in the media the two articles “The anguish of a female choice” by Jill Singer and “Reaping what we have sown- Abortion Decriminalised” by Pastor Danny Nalliah, President of Catch the Fire Ministries (The Australian Newspaper, 24th October 2008) are both very different as Singer is for abortion and Nalliah is pessimistically against it. Each writer clearly has strong views about for and against abortion. The articles both obviously are aimed at women but Nalliah widens her audience by attacking Christians who voted for Labor. Singer uses a mature tone one that is sympathetic but understanding of others’ views whereas Nalliah uses an accusing and aggressive tone to persuade the audience.
It is clear in the opinion piece “The anguish of a female choice” by Singer (published in the Herald Sun on the 22nd of October 2008) that she if for abortion as she argues that if abortion does become illegal it won’t stop women wanting them and looking for somewhere unhygienic to get one “it doesn’t stop women seeking abortion. It just makes a distressing situation worse”, Singer uses attack to logic by stating “the “pro-life” lobby is deluded if it thinks it can stop Victorian women seeking abortion, legal or otherwise”. Upon reading this the reader will feel guilty for being pro-life as they will realise women will stop at nothing to get an abortion so might as well let them get it in a safe and hygienic manner. Singer evokes the readers sense of logic and thinking by stating “But what are the interests of an embryo or fetus?” using a rhetorical question positions the reader to share Singer’s opinion as a rhetorical question makes the reader feel there is only one answer and that the writer is correct in what he/she is saying. Using emotive language to conclude the article appeals to the readers sense of sympathy Singer does this by stating “nor would it have people incapable of understanding the pain of others” when she argues the fact that anti-abortionist’s do not see the women’s side or what is best for them.
“Reaping what we have sown- Abortion Decriminalised” is an opinion piece written by Pastor Danny Nalliah (President of Catch the Fire Ministries) which was published in The Australian Newspaper on the 24th of October 2008. Nalliah is strongly against abortion and it is clear throughout his opinion piece. Nalliah focuses on using attack and rhetorical questions to persuade her audience whom will be women and Christians in general. Attacking the general public by stating “but sadly when it comes to politics and legislations people seem to be naïve or shamefully ignorant in making their choices” Nalliah continues attacking the public and Labor voters in an aggressive tone making the reader feel insecure about their logic or their vote. Nalliah only uses praise when addressing the anti-abortionists “hats off to people like Archbishop Denis Hart from the Catholic Church and pastor Dale Stephenson from Crossway Baptist for speaking up publicly against the Abortion Laws”.
Singer and Nalliah both have different views and the way they try to persuade their readers are totally different too. Singer who uses a soft and understanding tone even when addressing the anti-abortionists “I have no objection to people who oppose abortion, as long as they don’t insist that other people suffer for their views” whereas Nalliah uses a very passive aggressive tone and a tone that suggests he is ‘disgusted’ with the law, he doesn’t show any mercy for the other side “the result is that they have helped to pass this wicked Abortion Bill”. Nalliah and Singer both seem to be using rhetorical questions throughout their pieces which helps to persuade the reader on a more personal level as rhetorical questions appeal to the readers own personal thinking and knowledge, so it may make the reader feel as if they are wrong and then the reader may then agree with the writer.
The photograph of the women holding her stomach and holding her hand out in a ‘stop’ stance shows that women want to be able to make their own decisions and that it should be up to them whether they abort the child or keep it. The woman holding her stomach could indicate that she doesn’t feel the child in her stomach thus reinforcing Singer’s argument that the embryo or fetus don’t know what’s going on yet. The fact that the women’s face looks distressed could mean that she is confused and doesn’t know what to do or it could mean that she is being harassed about the decision she has to make thus making the situation more stressful for her. In the photograph it seems the women is standing on parliament steps which could indicate she is protesting for abortion.
Singer and Nalliah both leave the reader stumped about their opinions and make the reader want to agree with the writer although they both have different views. The photograph of a women who doesn’t look too old nor too young but looks stressed and worn out will keep the reader thinking of exactly what their opinion is now of abortion.