Morality of Abortion Essay

Introduction In this paper, I will argue that abortion is morally acceptable in certain situations. In defending this argument I will include the reason behind my decision, and I will provide an alternate example using the same general principle. After explaining my principle I will give clarity to two arguments that may be presented by others. Finally, I will conclude by describing any changes that I have made to my general principle. II. Argument 1.) If a person is in a situation in which she can prevent an individual from living a life of pain and suffering, then it is morally acceptable for her to do so. 2. ) In cases in which a mother is in a situation in which she can prevent her unborn child from living a life of pain and suffering, by having an abortion 3. ) Therefore, in this cases it is morally acceptable for a mother to have an abortion. III. Explanation Rule one states â€Å"an argument is good for you if and only if all of the premises are reasonable for you to believe. † For this rule I will use a similar situation with the same general principle. If Allison is a situation in which her favorite dog severely breaks his leg and can not be repaired, then it is morally acceptable for her to euthanize the dog. In this example it is morally acceptable to euthanize the dog because the dog will not be able to walk again and will suffer because it will not be able to move. Therefore, if a person is in a situation in which she can prevent an individual from living a life of pain and suffering, then it is morally acceptable for her to do so. The second and third premise state that (1) In a case where a mother is in a situation in which she can prevent her unborn child from living a life of pain and suffering, by having an abortion (2) Therefore, it is morally acceptable for a mother to have an abortion. In explaining my argument I will give an example that supports the second and third premise. If a mother is in a situation in which she becomes aware that her unborn child has an extremely painful and incurable disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa, EB. This disease causes skin to blister on the slightest touch. many infants that are born with this disease are are con? ned to wearing bandages at all times and can not even with stand their own parents touching them. In this case then it is ok for that mother to have an abortion. This act is ok because if the child is born with a disease that is incurable and painful then that child will be in will suffer for their whole lifetime and in many cases live a very short life. Therefore if a mother is in a situation in which she is able to prevent her unborn child from living a life of pain and suffering then it is morally acceptable for her to have an abortion. Rule two states that the argument must have a pattern such that if the premises are true, then the conclusion must follow. 1. ) If P, then Q 2. ) P 3. ) Therefore, Q 1. ) If P (a person is in a situation in which she can prevent an individual from living a life of pain and suffering), then Q (it is morally acceptable for her to do so. ) 2. ) P (In a case where a mother is in a situation in which she can prevent her unborn child from living a life of pain and suffering, by having an abortion), 3.) Therefore, Q (in some cases it is morally acceptable for a mother to have an abortion. ) IV. Objection An objection that may arise from premise one is that if a person is in a situation in which they sacri? ce their own life to prevent pain and suffering of another individual, then it is not morally acceptable for them to do so. An example of this is if Peter is in a situation in which he can take the place of a person in solitary con? nement, which causes psychological pain and suffering, it is not morally acceptable for him to do so. It is not morally acceptable because although the individual is suffering they knowingly participated in the act that resulted in the pain and suffering. This example expresses a violation of rule two because the argument does not follow a pattern in which the conclusion follows. Another objection that may arise from premise one is if a mother is in a situation in which she can violate the right to life of another person, the fetus, and the fetus is not threatening the mothers life, then it is morally wrong for the mother to violate the fetus’ right to life. My response to this argument is that although the mother’s life is not in danger by having the fetus, after the fetus is born they will live a short and extremely difficult life. This example is a violation of rule two because the premises are not reasonable to believe. V. Conclusion When thinking about the situation previously stated in the paper, I thought about the many options that could be presented when confronted with information, such as the fetus has an incurable and highly painful disease. By weighing the pros and cons of each principle I was able to construct my principle that was stated above. While writing this paper I have changed my general principle by adding the word â€Å"suffering. † By adding this one word I believe that it changes the argument by including another aspect that can make a life unbearable. When ? rst thinking about the reasoning behind my paper I thought about all view points that I could take, but I was able to stay true to my original belief of pro-choice by creating an argument that supports one aspect of the abortion debate.