Abortion

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Blog 1 – Abortion

Consider the following argument:

“Maybe abortion is immoral but, even if it is, is this fact enough to justify making abortion illegal? After all, adultery is immoral yet we don’t put adulterers in jail.”

(a) Is this a good argument? Explain why or why not.

(b) When should immoral behavior be made illegal, that is, subject to fines or prison sentences? Explain.

A woman might say “I would never have an abortion because I think it is morally wrong. But, I would not condemn or shame women who do have them.”

Is this a reasonable position? Explain why or why not.

In John Noonan’s article “An Almost Absolute Value in History”, the author says:

“A being with a human genetic code is a man.”

(a) How does Noonan use this claim to argue for his position on abortion? Explain.

(b) Do you agree with Noonan’s view? Explain why or why not.