Background to my research topic - Pro Choice vs Pro Life

For my research topic, I chose the subject of abortion and the pro-choice vs pro-life debate in Scotland and how this is reflected in the Scottish media. I decided upon this topic as I believe there is a lot to research, learn and present and I find that the subject is interesting to learn about. I went into this topic with an unbiased view, aiming to research both sides and see if the Scottish media fits into a specific view.

The purpose of my research was to look at both sides of the debate and their arguments for and against abortion, and how these points are expressed in Scottish media – is abortion presented in Scotland in a pro-choice, pro-life or unbiased view? I researched articles on multiple Scottish media sites (The Herald, The Daily Express and The Scottish Sun) to see how the topic of abortion is presented to the public and I go into detail on my research findings in my podcast and video.

For my podcast I interviewed my mum who had an abortion when she was 17 years old, but unfortunately as we live on opposite ends of the country, I wasn’t able to interview her in person but I aimed to present her thoughts and opinions in a clear way that reflected her emotions. I also created a short video in which I discuss how the media has presented abortion and whether I think it fits a more pro-life perspective or a pro-choice one. I recorded both my podcast and video on my iPhone and edited them on iMovie. 

The main points I researched were the reasons for and against abortion presented by speakers, activists and journalists from both sides of the debate and why they advocate for their sides.

The primary readership and listeners for my project were identified as women aged 16-30 who may be researching this topic for themselves, looking for accurate and safe information, and secondary, anyone who is aiming to learn more the Scottish media’s stance on abortion and how that is subsequently reflected onto the general public.