Abortion Based on Ethical Theories

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Leanna Manne Is abortion morally acceptable based on ethical theories? 1. Premise One: If abortion is for the greater good of all and brings about more happiness, then abortion is morally acceptable based on ethical theories. 1. If abortion is for the greater good of all and brings about more happiness, then the principle of Utilitarianism supports abortion. 1. An individual is entitled to control his or her own life and thus their body too. 2. A woman should have the right to determine whether or not she wishes to have a child. 3. Both utilitarianism and deontological theories justify therapeutic abortion as a means of self-defense. We have a right to protect ourselves as being alive is necessary for happiness. 2. If the principle of Utilitarianism supports abortion, then abortion is morally acceptable based on ethical theories. 1. If by killing the fetus we can spare it a life of suffering, minimize sufferings of its family and preserve the resources of society then abortion is legitimate on utilitarian grounds. 2. Abortion may spare the fetus of a life of indignity and pain therefore we are treating it as a rational being would want to be treated. 3. Abortion may be permissible if the pregnancy was due to the woman being raped or where contraception failed. 2. Premise Two: Abortion is for the greater good of all and brings about more happiness 1. If a fetus fails to meet the criteria provided for personhood, then abortion is for the greater good of all and brings about more happiness. 1. According to Mary Anne Warren you must meet five criteria to be considered a person: 2. You must have consciousness along with the capacity to feel pain and the developed capacity of reasoning. 3. You must also have self-motivated activity, the capacity to communicate and the presence of self-concepts and self-awareness.

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