Abortion and the Doctrine of Double Effect

The intentional termination of a pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus from the uterus.

A moral framework that allows an action with a good outcome, even if it has a foreseeable bad consequence, if the bad consequence is not the intended aim.

Under the Doctrine of Double Effect, abortion is considered 'killing' because the death of the fetus is a direct consequence of the procedure, not a foreseen secondary effect.

In some cases, abortion is considered medically necessary to preserve the life of the mother. The intent is to save the mother, even if it results in the death of the fetus.

Reasons for choosing abortion can be personal, such as a woman's desire for control over her body and reproductive choices. It can also be due to social and economic factors, like poverty, lack of access to contraception, or societal stigma surrounding pregnancy out of wedlock.

Abortion is often a controversial topic, with strong arguments for and against its legalization. It's essential to have open and respectful discussions, understanding the complex moral, ethical, and medical considerations involved.

Factors contributing to the debate on abortion legalization include teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, poverty, and population control. These complex issues influence the perspectives on women's reproductive rights and access to safe abortion procedures.

While this paper advocates for legalizing abortion, it's crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and ethical implications surrounding this issue. The goal is to promote a society where women have access to safe healthcare options, including reproductive healthcare, but this is not without debate.

Abortion in the Philippines is illegal, with the only exception being "therapeutic abortion" which is a medical procedure performed to save the life of the mother.

A medical procedure performed to end a pregnancy to protect the mother's life.

Economic hardship, lack of resources, and concerns about being able to provide for a child can contribute to a woman's decision to consider abortion.

The responsibility of parenthood can be overwhelming, requiring lifelong commitment, financial stability, and emotional maturity.

Pregnancy may pose health risks to the mother, including complications that can be serious or even life-threatening.

Many women face complications during pregnancy and childbirth, some of which could be prevented or treated.

Arguments for and against abortion often stem from diverse perspectives on morality, ethics, and the legal rights of women.

Opinions on abortion are shaped by various factors, including personal beliefs, religious views, and interpretations of the law.

A moral framework that considers an action acceptable if it has a good intended outcome, even if there's a foreseeable bad consequence, as long as the bad consequence wasn't the primary aim.

One of the conditions of the DDE, stating that the act itself must be morally good or neutral. An act that is inherently wrong cannot be justified by a good outcome.

One of the conditions of the DDE stating that the bad outcome should not be the intended goal. The bad consequence must be a foreseen, but unintended, side effect of achieving the good outcome.

The belief that a fetus deserves the same moral and legal protections as a born human being, making abortion ethically wrong.

The ethical principle that states that one should refrain from causing harm to others. The DDE considers abortion a violation of this principle because it involves intentionally ending a fetus's life.

The ethical principle of acting in the best interests of others. In the context of abortion, this principle focuses on the mother's well-being and the potential harm of forcing her to carry a dangerous pregnancy to term.

Abortion is considered permissible under the DDE because the intended aim is to alleviate the suffering and preserve the mother's life, not to deliberately end the pregnancy. The death of the fetus is a foreseeable consequence of the operation, but it was never the primary intention.

A woman's physical and mental health are often compromised during pregnancy and childbirth. The postpartum period can be challenging, leading to depression, stress, and physical exhaustion, making it a critical time for women to receive support.

Worldwide, a significant number of countries allow abortion only to save the life of the mother, while a larger number also permit it in situations like risk to the mother's health, rape, incest, fetal impairment, or social/economic factors.