Abortion Flashcards
What is an abortion?
The termination of a pregnancy before 24 weeks.
Start of human life
- if a foetus is not human then it may not have the same rights as an independent being
- If begins at conception then the foetus should have the same rights afforded to an independent being
- leads to conflict of rights between the mother and unborn child
Biological debates
Birth Viability Potentiality Primitive streak Quickening Conception
Birth
Applied at actual physical birth
Viability
Unborn can exist beyond any dependence
Potentiality
Point at which the entity displays the potential of become a human being
Primitive Streak
Discernible after the fourteenth day in the development
Quickening
When ‘child’ is first felt to move
Conception
From the point of fertilisation of the egg
Who gives the idea of the sanctity of life in a non religious perspective & what does he say?
Philosopher Kant
Since consciousness and reason are not properties of potential life, then it’s value diminishes accordingly.
What is the Sanctity of life?
The belief that life is sacred or holy given by God
What is personhood?
Based upon the ability to reason
What is the double effect?
- Even if a good act results in bad consequence then it is still right to do.
- Avoids obvious questions about which is of greater value or more right to life
- Prioritises what ‘ought’ to be done, not the consequences of the action
What were/are the legislations of abortion?
Offences Against the Person Act 1861—- depicts proclaiming a miscarriage as a criminal act
1929- Infant Preservation Act—– allowed the preservation of the mothers life as for reason of termination
1967—-2 doctors must agree— necessary if the woman’s physical health is threatened, any existing children harmed, high risk of baby being disabled
Ethical Issues
- Doctors may refuse on grounds of conscientious objection
- What is seen as ‘sinful’ by some people but ‘lawful’ on other hand
- law is consequential & dependent on establishing reason
- Does abnormal foetus not have the same rights as a normal one?
- foetus has no right to life under current legislation
- Father has no legal rights
What does Roman Catholic Church think about abortion?
- believe abortion is murder (some disagree)— breaking the commandment “Do not kill”,
- God has created and given life, only God can take it away- no one else right
- Accept the Doctrine of Double Effect could allow to happen, although it the same as agreeing with it
What does the Anglican Church think about abortion?
- In certain circumstances it is lesser of the two evils (e.g. Mother is in danger)
- View point agree with 1967 Abortion Act
‘In situations where the continuance of a pregnant threatens the life of the mother a termination may be justified & there must be adequate and safe provision In our society
Situation Ethics applied
If we truly loved other then we would not apply a law without compassion but simply consider each situation in its own merits and opt for the most loving solution
