Abstract
This paper discusses the question of whether or not a 15-year old girl, pregnant courtesy a rape committed by an unknown assailant, should abort the fetus or not. The paper also looks at whether or not the parents of the girl have an ethical obligation to counsel her against the abortion, an ethical obligation to counsel her to have the abortion, or whether they should simply stand aside and let the girl make up her own mind. The paper explains that in addressing this problematic subject, it is essential that some philosophical theories be introduced so as to offer an intellectual framework for the discussion and the paper then examines Kant's deontology (with its emphasis upon the categorical imperative) and the theory of utilitarianism espoused by Jeremy Bentham, John Stewart Mills and others (with its concomitant emphasis upon "proportionality"). In conclusion, the paper shows that a deontological approach to this problem is too inflexible and unyielding and that a better resolution is to apply a proportionality test which recognizes that the harm which would be done to the young girl if the child was brought to term outweighs the argument by others that abortion is unethical.

From the Paper
"In the view of Erin Soros, the fetus arising from a rape becomes, at least for the woman or child who must bear it, a manifestation and reminder of the illegitimate desire of another. Additionally, the fetus is "a physical replacement for the part of herself that was lost through the trauma" (Soros, 1998, p.153). From an ethical stand-point, the woman's body has been violated by another and, to the extent that an abortion can heal the psychic wounds inflicted by rape, a woman is entirely within her prerogatives to demand that the product of sexual violence be excised from her being. For the young girl whose story lies at the heart of this paper, there is a utilitarian component to all of this; to wit, the suffering she would endure, and the displacement within her life which would result, from bringing the child to term outweighs whatever loss might be associated with aborting the fetus - at least that is Erin Soros' view."

Tags:fetus, emergency, contraception, termination, of, pregnancy, sexual, health, education

Abstract
The following paper attempts to answer the question of whether or not a 15-year old girl, pregnant from a rape committed by an unknown assailant, should abort the fetus or not. In answering this troubling ethical issue, the paper also considers whether or not the parents of the girl have an ethical obligation to counsel her against the abortion, an ethical obligation to counsel her to have the abortion, or whether they should simply stand aside and let the girl make up her own mind. Ultimately, in addressing this problematic subject, it is essential that some philosophical theories be introduced so as to offer an intellectual framework for the discussion.

From the Paper
"The following paper will endeavor to answer the question of whether or not a 15-year old girl, pregnant courtesy a rape committed by an unknown assailant, should abort the fetus or not. In answering this troubling ethical issue, the paper will also look at whether or not the parents of the girl have an ethical obligation to counsel her against the abortion, an ethical obligation to counsel her to have the abortion, or whether they should simply stand aside and let the girl make up her own mind. Ultimately, in addressing this problematic subject, it is essential that some philosophical theories be introduced so as to offer an intellectual..."

Tags:bio, ethics, abortion

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the respective arguments of Judith Thomson in "A Defense of Abortion," with those of Don Marquis in "Why Abortion is Immoral." The paper argues that while the two approaches to the question of abortion are distinct in their fundamental assumptions, in general both arguments are based on the same methodological premise that the complex ethical issues surrounding abortion can be understood through what may be termed a "property-rights" approach. The paper concludes that Marquis' argument is marginally stronger than Thomson's in this regard.

From the Paper
"Thomson's analogy that for a mother to be compelled to carry a person she does not want for nine months - with the possibility of years of support following - is analogous to someone using one's property without permission is clearly very strong. It suggests that the self-defense argument is particularly strong, to the point of being almost unchallengeable. After all, if we defend the right of a person to defend his own life to the point of killing another if necessary, then why cannot the same rule apply to a mother. More broadly, why should a mother be forced to allow another person use of their property should they not wish this? In contrast, Marquis seems to emphasize the value of the property in this analysis. For the mother to terminate a fetus would be, in effect, the elimination of decades of life-value for the unborn fetus."

Tags:property, premise, immoral, fetus, life

Abstract
In this article, the writer compares and contrasts the respective arguments of Judith Thomson, in "A Defense of Abortion" (1971), with those of Don Marquis, in "Why Abortion is Immoral" (1989), in order to critically assess which of the two commentators makes the stronger ethical argument. The writer concludes through this comparative analysis that the Marquis' argument is marginally stronger than is Thomson's in this regard.

From the Paper
"As will be argued, while the two approaches to the question of abortion are fundamentally distinct in their fundamental assumptions, in general both arguments are based on the same methodological premise that the clearest avenue for understanding the complex ethical issues surrounding abortion is through what may be termed a "property-rights" approach."

Tags:ethics, philosophy, abortion

Abstract
The paper reveals that abortion is the most contentious political issue in America today and has held that position at least since the Supreme Court decision in the case of "Roe v. Wade" in 1973. The paper explains that before that decision, abortion was illegal and governed by state statutes, but with that decision, the right to an abortion became a national right and one that could be curtailed only under specifically defined circumstances. The paper discusses how that change made the issue central for many groups that wanted to make abortion illegal again and that offered numerous reasons why the court decision was immoral.

From the Paper
"Abortion is the most contentious political issue in America today and has held that position at least since the Supreme Court decision in the case of "Roe v. Wade" in 1973. Before that decision, abortion was illegal and governed by state statutes, but with that decision, the right to an abortion became a national right and one that could be curtailed only under specifically defined circumstances. That change made the issue central for many groups that wanted to make abortion illegal again and that offered numerous reasons why the court decision was immoral. The question now is whether abortion can be considered ethical. Arguments over the issue tend to center more on whether it is legal and whether it is..."

Tags:abortion, arguments, ethics

Abstract
In this article, the writer uses the theories of Kantianism and utilitarianism to discuss the issue of the ethics of abortion. The writer also looks at John Stuart Mill's essential principle of utility and Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative.

From the Paper
"The application of ethical theories to major issues confronting humans today is challenging for several reasons. First most controversial issues can be approached from any number of perspectives. Secondly given that there are any number of ethical theories available determining whether or not a particular behavior is ethical may depend on the ethical theory used. In this essay a comparison of utilitarianism and Kantian theory will be presented and then applied to the practice of abortion. Utilitarianism as proposed by Jeremy Bentham and John ..."

Tags:Kant, Bentham, Mill, abortion, utilitarianism, categorical imperative

Abstract
This essay provides a highly detailed analysis of the history of abortion from ancient times through present day. The origins of the Roman Catholic Church's opposition to abortion are fully discussed as are the social events of the late 1960's and early 1970's that eventually led to legalization of abortion procedures with the 1972 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. Following the historical analysis of the issue, both the pro-choice and the pro-life beliefs, and their foundations, are described in detail with supporting documentation and references. The essay concludes with pro-life supporting argument.

From the Paper
"Abortion on demand is perhaps the most contentious issue ever faced by Americans and indeed the world. In the United States alone, approximately one in three pregnancies terminate in the abortion of the unborn child. This translates into approximately 1.5 million abortions each year. Translate the statistics to an international level and the number quickly rises to over 50 million. This data illustrates that abortion is a fact of life in modern times while at the same time presenting complex legal, political, and ethical issues by raising fundamental questions about the sanctity of life in general and the universal concern for human liberty. (Flanders 3) "

Tags:abortion, birth, choice, life, partial, pro, roe, wade

Abstract
This paper studies the ethical conflicts surrounding abortion. The paper begins with an overview of ethics concepts, including beneficence, justice and autonomy. After explaining each of these terms, the paper attempts to apply them to the question of abortion. The author begins with the pro-life position, detailing how these three principles relate to the unborn child. Next the author applies the same principles to the rights of the mother to make decisions regarding her own body. The author concludes that both the pro-life and pro-choice factions have compelling ethical arguments on their side.

Outline
Introduction
Ethics Principles
Ethics Principles and Promotion of the Pro-Life Position
Ethics Principles and the Promotion of the Pro-Choice Position
Analysis and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The principle of beneficence certainly does not support abortion. The requirement for nonmaleficence is violated when a fetus is aborted, as harm is intentionally being inflicted on an innocent human being. Abortions do not in any way promote the values of goodness, kindness, and charity. And, although the mother may feel that she is benefiting from the abortion, she may well be inflicting physical and mental harm on herself. Likewise, the principle of justice is violated by abortion. When a mother conceives, she owes life to her baby. In aborting her fetus, a mother is not treating her baby in accordance with what is fair, due, or owed. Fairness would dictate that a mother give her baby a chance at life. She owes, and her baby is due, no less. She can always place the baby for adoption if she does not want it."

Tags:beneficence, justice, autonomy, abort, unborn, baby, mother, body, pro-life, pro-choice

Abstract
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)."

Tags:fetus, bible, christian, feminists, morality, birth, control

Abstract
This paper focuses on Singer's application of the principle of utility to the ethics of abortion. The first part of the paper discusses how Singer refined the utilitarian principles popularly associated with Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill to his own principle of preference utilitarianism. The second part examines how Singer applies this preference utilitarianism to conclude that abortion is completely moral and ethical. The last section is a critical examination of Singer's utilitarian approach to abortion, as he articulates in the book "Writings on an Ethical Life."

From the Paper
"Recognizing the difficulty of measuring pleasure or happiness, Singer instead proposes a principle of utility based on interests. He writes that "my own interests cannot, simply because they are my interests, count more than the interests of anyone else" (16). Instead of acting according to our own self-interests, Singer calls on people to take on a universal point of view. In essence, one's own interests and ideas matter only when seen in their consequence to everyone else's interests. Singer calls this view "preference utilitarianism.""

Tags:mill, bentham, utilitarianism, moral