Rhetoric in Abortion Debate

The point in a pregnancy when a fetus can potentially survive outside the womb.

A landmark Canadian Supreme Court case that decriminalized abortion.

A document outlining fundamental freedoms and rights in Canada.

A right enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, protecting physical and psychological integrity.

A principle in Canadian law that ensures that laws are fair and just.

Hospital committees responsible for approving abortions in Canada before the Morgentaler ruling.

Attempts to create new abortion laws in Canada after the Morgentaler decision.

Canada's status as one of the few countries with no federal abortion law.

The belief that abortion should be legally permitted at any stage of pregnancy, for any reason, and that the decision ultimately rests with the woman and her doctor.

The argument that if we allow abortion, we are on a path to accepting the killing of infants, children, and eventually adults, because there is a continuous development from zygote to adult human.

An analogy used to refute the Slippery Slope Argument by suggesting that even though there's continuity between an acorn and a mature oak tree, they have different moral statuses. Similarly, a zygote might not have the same moral status as an adult human, despite continuous development.

The Slippery Slope argument assumes, without proving, that a zygote has the same moral status as an adult, making it a flawed argument. The claim that continuity inherently justifies a right to life is not necessarily true.

This argument suggests that the moral status of a zygote, or an acorn, depends on the reasons why we value oak trees (e.g., life force, species membership). If acorns are granted rights, it's because they possess a specific property, not simply because of continuity.

Fetal development is a continuous process, with small, gradual changes gradually leading to the birth of an adult human. This continuity is a key part of the Slippery Slope Argument.

Abortion is considered prima facie immoral due to the loss of a potential valuable future life, but exceptions exist in rare cases.

Fetal development is a continuous process, starting from a zygote and progressing through distinct stages: pre-embryonic, embryonic, and fetal.

The stage of fetal development influences its moral status. Early abortions are often viewed less problematic than late-term abortions.

Ethical challenges arise in defining the point where a fetus gains moral consideration. Possible lines include implantation, sentience, or viability.

This argument claims that the continuous nature of fetal development makes it impossible to draw a clear line for moral consideration.

As the fetus's moral status increases, a pregnant woman's rights might decrease.

This view suggests that the fetus has some degree of moral status but not equivalent to a person, allowing for responsible abortion decisions.

Assigning partial moral status to the fetus helps moderate extreme views, acknowledging fetal value while leaving room for ethical abortion decisions.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of abortion procedures, providing access to this healthcare service for residents of Ontario. However, individuals without OHIP may face significant financial burdens.

The debate on abortion is often characterized by strong emotions, with two opposing viewpoints: pro-life and pro-choice. These positions are frequently presented as polar opposites, creating a sense of dichotomy.

The language used in the abortion debate influences how the developing human is perceived. Terms like 'fetus' and 'baby' carry different connotations, impacting the understanding of the moral and legal implications.

The concept of autonomy plays a significant role in the abortion debate. Both pro-choice and pro-life arguments often utilize this principle, arguing for the right to bodily self-determination (pro-choice) or the rights of the developing human (pro-life).

The language used to describe abortion can impact perception. 'Killing' implies murder, while 'removing' suggests a more detached and medical procedure. These terms can influence how people view the morality of abortion.

The debate often focuses on the question of when human life begins and whether the fetus is a human being or simply a part of the woman's body. This debate is influenced by personal beliefs, scientific understanding, and religious interpretations.

The abortion debate involves 'claims making activity', where individuals on both sides present passionate arguments to justify their positions. These claims are influenced by personal experience, values, and the framing of the issue.

Historically, religious views on abortion have varied considerably. While some religions have strictly prohibited abortion, others have held more flexible views. Concepts like the formation of a soul and the development of fetal life have played significant roles in shaping these beliefs.

Kantian ethics struggles to resolve abortion due to the fetus lacking rational autonomy, a key element in Kant's moral framework. A pregnant woman's autonomy allows her to decide, but forcing her to bear a child violates her autonomy. Kant's view on self-harm also raises concerns about intentionally harming one's body.

Utilitarianism argues that abortion can be justified if it produces more happiness than unhappiness for everyone involved. This includes considering the woman's interests, the father's, other children, and society's well-being. Rule utilitarianism may support abortion restrictions if permissive policies result in negative societal consequences.

Virtue ethics emphasizes the character of the decision-maker, not the fetus's moral status. A virtuous woman makes an informed decision based on her life circumstances and may decide that abortion is the responsible choice. While abortion may be the right decision, it can still involve moral failing or harm, highlighting the complexity.

Feminist bioethics critiques standard ethical theories for neglecting the woman's embodied experience of pregnancy. They argue that abortion decisions should recognize gender and power dynamics, as childbearing disproportionately burdens women. Feminists advocate for safe and accessible abortion services, recognizing the intimate connection between the decision and the woman's life.

Callahan argues for societal and paternal support for childbearing and rearing as a way to achieve equality, rather than relying on permissive abortion laws. He fears that such laws relieve men of responsibility for children, perpetuating an unequal burden on women.

This question explores the point at which a fetus's rights should be considered equal to the pregnant woman's rights. It's complex because fetal medicine is constantly advancing.

This concept explores the question of when abortion is considered acceptable based on the stage of pregnancy. It often uses the trimesters (three-month periods) as a framework.

This theory claims that a fetus has a degree of moral status but not full personhood. It suggests a moral obligation to protect the fetus but not necessarily equal rights.

Wolf believes abortion is a regrettable choice but not murder. She argues a fetus isn't a separate entity as long as it relies on the woman's body. She emphasizes the intrinsic connection between them.

This principle emphasizes a woman's right to control her own body and make decisions about her healthcare, including pregnancy. It raises questions about the balance between the woman's autonomy and the rights of the fetus.

This question explores the point at which a fetus can be considered an autonomous being with its own rights. It's a crucial point for considering the fetus's potential personhood.

Different ethical systems offer various perspectives on abortion. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing good outcomes, Kant emphasizes rationality, Virtue ethics emphasizes character, and feminist ethics prioritizes women's rights.