In "A Defense of Abortion," Judith Jarvis Thomson presents a compelling ethical argument supporting the pro-choice perspective. Thompson’s argument is centered around the belief in women’s bodily autonomy, the reality of unforeseen pregnancies, and the prioritization of women's health. Thompson argues that individuals have an inherent right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and reproductive choices. She asserts that women should enjoy full bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. Throughout her argument, the necessity of abortion becomes clear as it pregnancies resulting from contraceptive failures, instances of rape, or serious health complications. Overall, Thompson argues that abortion allows women to manage these unexpected …show more content…
The termination of a fetus is thus seen as morally and ethically equivalent to murder, as it prematurely ends a life with potential for full human experiences and contributions. Pro-life supporters emphasize that human dignity and rights should be granted unconditionally from the point of conception, regardless of the circumstances leading to a pregnancy or the developmental stage of the fetus. This principle underlies their advocacy for legal and social protections for the unborn, reflecting a commitment to uphold the sanctity and value of life across all stages of human development. Thomson challenges this view with a striking analogy: if one leaves a window open to cool the house and a burglar enters, it is unreasonable to expect the homeowner to accommodate the intruder simply because their action facilitated the entry. Similarly, if a woman uses contraception that fails, Thomson argues it would be unreasonable to force her to continue the pregnancy. This analogy extends to more severe circumstances such as rape, where Thomson emphasizes that a woman should not be compelled to carry a pregnancy resulting from an act of violence against her