10.5 Case for the Classroom – Debate on Abortion Legislation
Practical Activities to Combine Creativity with Logical Reasoning in Problem Solving
Designing an educational solution to many pressing issues in today’s world demands a thoughtful, inclusive, and balanced approach that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. Here’s a comprehensive framework for classroom-based educational modules:
A. Understanding the Debate on Abortion Legislation
Educational Module: “Understanding the Debate on Abortion Legislation”
Target Audience: College students
Subject Areas: Civics, Ethics, Law, Health, Sociology
Duration: 1–2 three-hour sessions (can be condensed or expanded)
Learning Objectives
- Explain the historical, legal, ethical, and medical dimensions of Abortion
- Describe diverse perspectives on abortion legislation
- Develop skills in respectful debate, critical analysis, and policy design
- Apply civic engagement and informed decision-making
Module Structure
Foundational Knowledge (First 2 hours)
1. Introduce key concepts:
- Definitions: abortion, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, viability
- Legal history: Roe v. Wade, Dobbs v. Jackson, Canadian abortion law
- Global perspectives: abortion laws in different countries
- Possible Activities: Timeline creation of abortion legislation milestones or a comparative chart of abortion laws across countries
Ethical and Social Perspectives (third and fourth hours)
2. Explore moral arguments and societal impacts:
- Pro-choice vs. pro-life frameworks
- Religious, cultural, and feminist viewpoints
- Public health and socioeconomic implications
- Possible Activities: Case study analysis of real-world scenarios involving abortion decisions or small group discussions using ethical dilemma questions
Debate and Dialogue (fifth and sixth hours)
3. Facilitate respectful debate:
- Students research and represent different viewpoints
- Use structured formats like Socratic Seminar or Oxford-style debate
- Possible Activities: Mock legislative hearing: students present arguments to a “committee” or reflection journals on how their views evolved
Policy Design Challenge (seventh and eighth hours)
4. Students work in teams to design a policy proposal:
- Consider legal, ethical, medical, and social factors
- Address access, parental consent, gestational limits, and education
- Possible Activities: Create a policy brief, an infographic, or present proposals to the class or to a panel of educators
Civic Engagement and Reflection (ninth and tenth hours)
5. Encourage real-world action:
- Explore how to contact representatives, attend town halls, or join advocacy groups
- Reflect on the role of youth in shaping public policy
- Possible Activities: Write a letter to a policymaker or create a public awareness campaign (poster, video, social media)
Teaching Policies
As your instructors:
- We will maintain neutrality and foster a safe space for all voices
- We will use anonymous surveys to gauge student comfort and understanding
- We will provide trigger warnings and opt-out options for sensitive content
- We will emphasize empathy, listening, and evidence-based reasoning
