Ethics and Abortion

Paper Summary:

Almost three decades after the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade case legalizing abortion in America, the issue remains the greatest moral flashpoint facing America today. This paper examines the underlying ethical arguments of both sides of the abortion debate, using Ronald Dworkin's "sanctity of life" principles. By "abortion," this paper includes all forms of abortion, from early fetal abortion through the RU46 drug to late-term abortions, from abortions out of "convenience" to abortions in cases of rape and incest. It evaluates how the anti-abortion crusade has framed their campaign on the personhood and the rights of the fetus. The second part looks at the pro-abortion movement, which has framed their issue as a campaign for women's reproductive rights. Finally, the paper examines the approach of a minority of women, activists from both camps who are working to bridge the gap between pro- and anti-abortion factions.
By presenting both sides, this paper argues that because of current societal structures that make unwanted pregnancy more likely to happen and its consequences more difficult to assume, abortion must remain an option, a "necessary evil." Both pro- and anti-abortion factions, however, must work towards their common ground a society where abortions are no longer necessary.

From the Paper:

"Despite the legality of abortion and its importance to women's rights, anti-abortion activists have successfully curtailed several pro-choice gains. More important, the "pro-life" camp's appeals to a higher moral law have successfully placed pro-choice advocates on the defensive.
However, pro-choice advocates also frame their stand on morality. Forcing a woman to continue and unwelcome pregnancy is ultimately harmful to the mother and the child. The creation of unwanted and uncared-for children has a two-fold effect of limiting a woman's potential for both the present and future motherhood. As Roiphe states, becoming a mother is a crucial choice and its imposition makes women into "slaves of their biology" (142)."

More papers on Ethics and Abortion:

• Analytical Essay # 23918 : "Peter Singer's Utilitarian Ethics and Abortion"
• Persuasive Essay # 74086 : "Fetal Development and Abortion"
• Argumentative Essay # 59913 : "The Ethics of Abortion"

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