ABORTION By: Ronald F. White, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy College of Mount St. Joseph

Factors Influencing Debate Scientific Factors Advancement Biological Science Advancement in Technology Economic Factors Social Factors Political Factors

How to Argue About Abortion Legality of Abortion v. Morality of Abortion Morality of Abortion Teleological Arguments Egoism- Utilitarianism- Deontological Arguments Divine Command Rights-Based

Strategy 1. Arguments Concerning the Moral Status of the Fetus Persons and the Moral Universe Persons and Property Undoubted Persons and Undoubted Non-Persons Hard Cases: fetuses, comatose, animals Descriptive Personhood (Scientific) Consciousness Sentience Self Awareness Intelligence Prescriptive Personhood: (Legal or Moral) Species Criterion Potentiality Criterion Graduated Potentiality Actual Possession Criterion

Strategy 2: Utilitarian Arguments Social Costs and Benefits Consequences for: Women Men Fetuses Community Health Care System Welfare System Monitoring and Enforcement of Anti-Abortion Legislation (Black Markets)

Strategy 3. Rights-Based Arguments The Plugged in Violinist Beneficence and Non-Maleficence Voluntariness and Self-Defense Rape Incest Save Life of Mother Economic Reasons

Small Group Discussion Questions Are early abortions (during the first trimester) morally preferable to late abortions (during the second or third trimester)? Is infanticide ever morally justifiable? Is abortion ever morally justified? If so, under what conditions? Discuss the justifiability of each of of the following conditions Rape Incest Contraceptive Failure Save the Life of the Mother Save the Health of the Mother Save the Economic Health of the Mother (or Family). Severe Genetic Deformity of the Fetus: anencephaly, Tay Sach's Disease, Down Syndrome, Multiple Births Which of the following legal restrictions on abortion are morally justifiable? Parental Consent Laws-Should women under the age of 18 be required by law to present evidence that her mother or father has given consent for an abortion?  Spousal Consent Laws-Should married women be required by law to present evidence that her spouse has been notified of a planned abortion? Should unmarried  women be required by law to present evidence that the father of the fetus has been informed?   Informed Consent Laws-  Should women be compelled by law to told specific information about abortion procedures beyond safety and effectiveness: fetal development etc. 24 Hour Waiting Period Laws- Should women be compelled by law to wait 24 hours after being provided abortion-related information? The Morning After Pill –Should it be legal? Prescription? Over-the-Counter, Over-18?