Utilitarianism, Deontology And The Abortion Debate

Abortion, an ethically charged and deeply divisive issue, has permeated societies, sparking profound debates and impassioned discussions. At its core, the abortion debate revolves around a delicate balance, pitting the rights and interests of pregnant women against the potential rights and moral status of the developing fetus. Within this complex landscape, moral theories emerge as intellectual guides, offering distinct perspectives and frameworks for comprehending and justifying positions on abortion. In this paper, we embark on an intellectual journey, exploring three prominent moral theories – utilitarianism, deontology (specifically Kantian ethics), and virtue ethics – as they grapple with the intricate nuances of abortion. As we delve

Within the framework of utilitarianism, proponents of abortion advocate for the provision of safe and legal abortions, asserting that such access contributes to the enhancement of overall well-being. Their argument revolves around the notions of preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing the risks associated with unsafe procedures, and empowering women to make informed decisions regarding their bodies, fostering a more just and flourishing society (Watson 1197). Supporting this perspective, an insightful quote from Katie Watson's article "Abortion as a Moral Good" in The Lancet affirms: "Assigning rational, sentient, biologically independent women a higher moral status than biologically dependent embryos or fetuses leads to the conclusion that forced childbearing is immoral, and that a woman’s decision to end an unwanted pregnancy is a morally acceptable act" (1197). This quotation effectively bolsters the utilitarian argument that ensuring women's access to safe and legal abortions aligns with the objective of maximizing overall well-being while minimizing

They contend that abortion encroaches upon the potential happiness and welfare of the unborn child. These critics argue that evaluating the comprehensive consequences of abortion necessitates considering the moral value and future potential of the fetus. However, the aforementioned quote challenges this utilitarian perspective by highlighting the differentiation in moral values assigned to women and fetuses. It emphasizes the fundamental notion that rational, conscious, self-sufficient women hold a superior moral standing when contrasted with biologically reliant embryos or fetuses. Consequently, this viewpoint supports the contention that within a utilitarian framework, a woman's decision to terminate an unwanted pregnancy can be deemed morally acceptable, given the emphasis on overall well-being and the reduction of suffering (Watson