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Ethical Framework Of Abortion

1198 Words5 Pages

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Abstract
The objective of this report is to investigate abortion in relation to the three ethical frameworks; Situation Ethics, Natural Law, and Utilitarianism. Abortion will then be analyzed accordingly, and recommendation will then be made to suit the Australian Contemporary Society.

1.2 Key Terminology
• Fetus – An unborn offspring, generally that less than eight weeks of age
• Agape Love – A distinct form of live within the Christian community, both unselfish and free from sexual desire. Agape love originates from the common humanity of every human being as all human beings are children of God. Separate from Eros, agape love is a duty to act respectively towards each other, disregarding race, nationality, gender, …show more content…

2.2 Application of Situation Ethics to Abortion
Situation Ethics

2.3 Natural Law
Originated by Aristotle, and further developed by Thomas Aquinas, Natural Law is one of the three ethical theories, and is divided into two fundamentals (Source 11). The first aspect is recognized as Eternal Law, created through the teachings of Jesus, and developed by Christians (thecommonlife, 2013). Eternal Law dictates truth (Source 19), and the law governing nature of an eternal universe (Online Dictionary, 2014). The second approach, secular law, replaces the laws of God with the physical, biological, and behavioral laws of nature as understood by human reason (Online Dictionary, 2014).

2.4 Application of Natural Law to Abortion
Natural Law

2.5 Utilitarianism
Created by John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism derives from the work utility (Source 17). Utility is defined as pleasure itself, and the absence of pain - Utilitarianism is essentially this (Source 17). Also recognized as the Greatest Happiness Principle, this ethical theory promotes happiness for the greatest number (Online Dictionary, 2014). Utilitarianism is the ethical theory maintaining, “Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of please,” (Source

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