Possibilities include:
the definition of abortion -- what is an abortion?
a very brief history of when abortion first started, when it first became a common practice, where it first became common, etc.
some statistics about the frequency of abortions -- Have they become more or less common over the years?
Are abortions generally safe? Why or why not?
reasons for getting an abortion -- effects of getting one
What has made it become a contentious/controversial issue? religion? morality? ethics? etc.
How strongly do people feel about this issue? Why?
What has been the result of the controversy? new laws, protests, etc.?
Are there organized groups on either side of the issue?