JudgeExplorationGorilla13
reply to this paragraph: The argument of abortion is an ethical…
reply to this paragraph:
The argument of abortion is an ethical debate consisting primarily of the sides “pro-life” or “pro-choice” traditionally. Planned Parenthood holds the argument of a woman’s right to choose and holds autonomy to her own body (Planned Parenthood, 2023).
For the topic of abortion, a subjective standard is used. The ethical theory utilitarianism is argued as the ethical reasoning because the reasoning weighs the overall happiness versus suffering of those involved (mainly the woman) and determines if abortion is ethically justifiable under the utilitarianism view.
Premise: Utilitarianism seeks to increase overall happiness and reduce suffering in making decisions.
Premise: Abortion, in some cases, might lead to reduced suffering for the woman and potentially improve her overall well-being.
Conclusion: From a utilitarian perspective, if abortion results in greater overall happiness and reduced suffering for the woman, it can be considered morally justifiable.
In evaluation of this position, there are strengths, weakness, and counterarguments. The abortion argument clearly uses the utilitarian principles because it focuses on the possible reduced suffering and increased happiness for the pregnant woman by recognizing her well-being. However, the argument also overlooks other components which weakens the argument. For example, the potential happiness of the unborn child, the father’s view and consequences from society or one’s culture. This position also argues and assumes that the only relevant factors are happiness and suffering in deciding. For a counterargument, it could be argued that the moral status of the baby (fetus) and the possible long-term consequences of abortion (physically and psychologically) should be considered. A counterargument could question if happiness alone is enough to measure this choice and may even bring deontological ethical views into discussion.
Personally, I think there should be a case-by-case examination. I do not think there is solely one side or the other, I think it is a very complex issue and objective and subjective reasoning should be used. There are certainly those who abuse this service or who do not take it seriously. For example, if a woman has a miscarriage that is incomplete, a D&C is performed which can be argued under abortion because the contents of the uterus left behind is removed. However, if not removed, the woman (who is not pregnant anymore due to a natural miscarriage) would die. Therefore, I feel objective and subjective standards are required to effectively debate the ethical standing of abortion.
