Morality and Ethics

Summary

The ethics and morality issue that has been chosen for discussion in this report is related to Abortion which is the termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or of a fetus that is incapable of survival. Surrounding this practice is passionate debate and heated controversy as to whether a mother has the right to take away the life of a potentially viable human being. Those for abortion take the stance of Pro-Choice; as they believe that the matter falls into the hands of the mother and thus is entirely her decision, or choice. I agree abortion is immoral because you are taking the life of a potentially viable human being. It is morally incorrect to end the life of a fetus. At conception life is started, and just as murder is generally accepted to be immoral, so too is abortion. The bottom line is that a person's right to life is stronger and more stringent than the mother's right to decide what happens in and to her body, and so outweighs it.

Introduction

The Issue

Abortion raises two issues, first is the moral status of the fetus. Is it, as some have suggested, no more valuable than any other piece of human tissue, such as a tonsil? The second question involves women's rights and the question of political domination. Can a pregnant woman legitimately get an abortion, based on her right to control her body, even if there is another person inside her? I feel the answer to both questions is no. As for whether a fetus is no more valuable than any other piece of human tissue such as a tonsil, I not only disagree but am amazed that such a comparison could possibly be made.

A fetus is not just a piece of human tissue, such as a tonsil, it is a partially formed human being and as such retains moral status beyond that of a tonsil that the mother can remove from the body when it becomes an irritant. As for the question of whether a pregnant woman can legitimately get an abortion, based on her right to control her body, if there is another person inside her, the mother's ability to make the decision in the matter does not trump the fetus's right to life.

Discussion

Importance of the Issue for the Society

Now the question remains, what would society be like if my viewpoint was observed by the majority? I believe we would have a less controversial world. It seems that all we have in the world today is confusion and chaos (Marquis, pp 77-190). Individuals would have the right to make their own decisions on what is best for them and their life. Laws would still be in place to protect second trimester children unless there is an obvious problem with the child and also individuals would find nothing else to argue about because an argument can never be won. Bible believers brings out interesting references to the bible that strongly suggest that abortion is not ...