ABORTION debate

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Los Angeles Mission College *

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434

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Philosophy

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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1 Week 5 Scenario and Reflection Essay The topic under discussion in this week’s scenario is abortion. In the view of Dr. Williams, prioritizing the rights of an adult human mother over those of a fetus, whose survival relies on the mother, is of utmost significance (Tosh, n.d.-a). She argues that, depending on the stage of development, a fetus has not yet reached the level of neurological development necessary to experience pain or possess self-awareness and attributes typically associated with human life (Tosh, n.d.-a). On the other hand, Dr. Meadows contends that there has always been inconsistency when it comes to the exact determination of the "beginning of human life" in the medical community. So, it would only be appropriate for us to take a cautious approach to avoid inadvertently ending human life. She states that we should think about the possible trajectory of the fetus's existence and take measures to safeguard its future (Tosh, n.d.-a). Furthermore, in some cases, it can be argued that the value attributed to a younger life exceeds that of an older life, as the younger individual possesses a greater potential for future accomplishments and experiences. This is the reason why many parents would willingly place themselves in danger to safeguard their offspring (Tosh, n.d.-a). After thoroughly considering the arguments presented by both sides of the debate, I have to say that I do not favor either perspective. While I acknowledge that both had valid points, I do not like how the nature of the debate revolved around arguing which life should be placed of more value, the mother's or the child's. Prior to the scenario, I held the belief that abortion is a form of healthcare, and the availability of safe abortion services is crucial in minimizing potential risks that may arise during pregnancy. Furthermore, such accessibility to abortion services is an essential aspect of human rights. My perspective remains unchanged even after observing the dispute.

2 Though I do not entirely agree with any of the responses presented, the response that I think is most ethical is option C. Response C acknowledges the complexity of the matter at hand and expresses support for the right to life of an unborn child while also supporting the safeguarding of the rights of the mother (Tosh, n.d.-a). It endorses that there are several reasons for a woman to seek an abortion, and the absence of this option places her in a vulnerable situation where she lacks complete autonomy over her own body, resulting in disproportionate consequences compared to her male counterpart (Tosh, n.d.-a). It also recognizes that surrendering the child for adoption does not present a viable resolution since there is already a surplus of children in need of homes, and the foster care system is characterized by several distressing reports (Tosh, n.d.-a). I am of the opinion that if a woman believes that the optimal course of action for herself is to terminate the pregnancy, then society should respect and accept that decision. This closely relates to the consequentialist theory of moral egoism. Moral egoism asserts that individuals should pursue actions that result in the most favorable outcome for themselves while also allowing others to do the same (Tosh, n.d.-b). I think the only people who should be involved in the conversation of whether to proceed with an abortion or to give birth are the women considering the procedure and their physicians. If a woman believes that proceeding with an abortion is the best course of action, then she should not be forced by society to take on the role of a mother and undergo the process of childbirth. Ultimately, I believe that access to safe abortion services is a fundamental human right as the realm of human rights laws recognizes that individuals hold authority concerning decisions with their own bodies. In addition, the accessibility to legal abortion services is essential for preventing women from enduring preventable pregnancy-related complications. If a person lacks the desire or capacity to take care of a child, it is inefficient for them to have that child. Abortion

3 aids those desiring the procedure and prevents the birth of children in households that do not want or are unable to care for them. There are a significant number of children already put for adoption and foster care because their families are unable to care for and provide for them sufficiently. Abortion reduces the likelihood that more children will be born into a socioeconomically deficient and dysfunctional system. It is just cruel to bring into the world a child that you do not fully want and will not devote yourself to raising well.

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4 References Tosh, N. (n.d.-a). Annual ethics symposium: Evolving ethics: Debating abortion [Video]. Canvas@WCU. https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu/ Tosh, N. (n.d.). Week 1: Presentation [Video]. Canvas@WCU. https://canvas.westcoastuniversity.edu/

ABORTION debate

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