The Abortion Debate Essay - 1544 Words

No matter where you stand on the issue, abortion is a highly debated topic in today’s society. In this essay I will examine both sides of the abortion issue. I will begin with a brief overview of the abortion debate, to include the morality of the situation. Next I will discuss the Pro-Life argument. Lastly I will look at the Pro-Choice view. In the final analysis I will show how utilitarianism, altruism, and situational ethical views apply to abortion. Having in mind the extreme controversy surrounding this issue, I will examine the history of abortion and why it is so highly debated today. The moral problem with abortion is when, if ever, is abortion morally justifiable? The answer to this question lies somewhere within one of three†¦show more content†¦The conservative view claims full moral status at conception; the liberal view denies any moral status; and moderate views are probably somewhere near the point of first brain activity. This determination shows exactly when a fetus becomes human. Once the status of a fetus is determined the arguments split into two camps: Pro-Life Advocates who are against abortion, and Pro-Choice Advocates who are for abortion. Pro-Life Advocates believe abortion is murder because they classify a fetus as an un-born human being, and killing a human being is murder. The anti-abortionist will claim that her position is supported by such generally accepted moral principles as It is always prima facie seriously wrong to take a human life or It is always prima facie seriously wrong to end the life of a baby. Since these are generally accepted moral principles, her position is certainly not obviously wrong. (Marquis, 1989, p. 184) The next pro-Life contention is that abortion can set a dangerous precedent. Anything that can lead to such disrespect toward human life is morally wrong. If we decide that certain human lives can be terminated, do we then start killing people with terminal illnesses, mental illness or other disabilities? A pro-life advocate would ask: How does abortion psychologically affect the woman? They believe a woman carrying a child in her body represents the closest bond two humans could have. Terminating the child from that equation will have aShow MoreRelatedThe Debate On Abortion And Abortion1448 Words   |  6 PagesAbortion. This word leaves most people feeling uneasy after just saying it out loud. The discussion of abortion is continuously left open-ended with millions of opinions, arguments, and questions. Abortions occur every single day leaving potential fathers devastated or thrilled, leaving friends and families broken and distraught or in contrast, proud. More importantly, leaving the potential mother uncertain and even destroyed. 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