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?
QUESTION 2
What are some things that would probably NOT HELP my reader better understand the nature of this issue? (Whether or not abortion should be legal)
Possibilities include:
an extensive history of abortion
a detailed medical definition and/or explanation of abortion
specific information about the procedures and techniques used to perform abortions
the types of instruments/tools used to perform abortions
the names of and details about people famous for being involved in the debate about abortion
Some general advice:
Every issue is different, so you need to make the decisions about what to include in the background section of your term paper.
Imagine if you were reading an essay on your chosen topic/issue, but you did not know much about the issue or why it is controversial -- then think about what would help you (if you were the reader) to understand the issue on a deeper level.
Do not bore your reader with dates, names and facts that only provide a history of the general “topic”. Instead, explain how your chosen issue has become one that divides people’s feelings and causes disagreement.
Make the reader understand why your issue is interesting and controversial! That is why you chose to write about it in the first place, right?
Note:
Be sure to include in-text citations in your background paragraph to indicate where your information has come from. (This, of course, is true for your whole term paper!)