Rhetoric in Abortion Debate

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main ethical concern regarding fetal medicine improving over time?

It complicates the determination of fetal rights versus women's rights. (correct)

It makes abortion easier to obtain.

It eliminates the need for maternal consent.

It decreases the moral status of the fetus.

According to Naomi Wolf, abortion should be viewed as what?

A necessary medical procedure.

A violation of women's rights.

A murder of an independent being.

An undesirable but permissible action. (correct)

What principle supports the idea that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies?

Utilitarian ethics.

Principle of autonomy. (correct)

Feminist ethics.

Kant's moral philosophy.

What potential conflict arises when considering the rights of women vs. the rights of the fetus?

Determining fetal rights can sometimes infringe on women's autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does virtue ethics take regarding abortion?

It considers the entire life context of the decision. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue is highlighted by the contrast between efforts to save premature infants and the practice of abortion at similar gestational ages?

The viability standard's legal complexities. Signup and view all the answers

What main legal principle did the Supreme Court of Canada cite when striking down the existing abortion law?

The violation of the Charter of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument presented by Sidney Callahan regarding women's rights?

The right to control one's body does not extend to controlling another’s body. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daniel Callahan suggest regarding the moral status of the fetus?

The fetus has a partial moral status that can vary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant barrier in accessing abortion services prior to the court's ruling?

Uneven availability of therapeutic abortion committees. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the proposed 1990 bill regarding abortion in Canada?

It passed the House but was defeated in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way feminist perspectives view the issue of abortion?

Women have the right to make their own decisions about abortion. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Chief Justice's opinion, what constitutes a profound violation of a woman's rights concerning abortion?

Forcing her to carry a fetus to term. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the status of federal abortion laws in Canada since the Supreme Court's decision?

Canada has no restrictions in the Criminal Code. Signup and view all the answers

What primary issue arose from the lack of clarity in the term 'health' regarding abortion access?

Differing interpretations of psychological versus physical harm. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental justice principle did the court find the existing abortion law failed to meet?

The assurance of equal access to healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

Why is abortion considered prima facie immoral?

It results in the loss of a valuable future. Signup and view all the answers

At what stage is the developing fetus referred to as a blastocyst?

From conception to 2 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental point is often considered a significant moral marker for abortion?

Sentience at 13 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common argument against establishing strict moral lines in fetal development?

Fetal development is a continuous process. Signup and view all the answers

According to Daniel Callahan, how should the moral status of a fetus be viewed?

As deserving consideration but not equivalent to a person. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of partial moral status imply about the fetus?

It holds a certain value without equating to personhood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the public opinion trend regarding late-term abortion?

There is significant restriction on late-term abortion. Signup and view all the answers

How does the development stage of a fetus impact the moral justification for abortion?

Moral justification increases as fetal development occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of not having OHIP when seeking a procedural abortion at Grandriver hospital?

The cost becomes exorbitantly high Signup and view all the answers

In the context of abortion rhetoric, what does the term 'autonomy' refer to?

The control a woman has over her body Signup and view all the answers

What framing is often associated with pro-life advocates regarding victims?

Babies as the victims of abortion Signup and view all the answers

How do pro-life and pro-choice campaigns generally differ?

They create differing perceptions of morality Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical claim does Aristotle make about soul formation in male and female fetuses?

Male fetuses form a soul at 40 days, female at 90 days Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in the discussion of abortion occurred in the 19th century?

Introduction of men in medicine and scientific assertions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a historical notion regarding fetal rights?

There is no acknowledgment of fetal rights in the Bible Signup and view all the answers

What is a common aspect of language used in abortion rhetoric?

Referring to abortion simply as 'removal' Signup and view all the answers

According to feminist bioethics, which aspect is emphasized in the ethical analysis of abortion?

The central role of the woman's experience Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant concern raised by Callahan regarding permissive abortion laws?

They may relieve men of responsibility for children Signup and view all the answers

In Kantian ethics, what is a key challenge when applying it to abortion?

It promotes autonomy over responsibility Signup and view all the answers

How does utilitarianism justify abortion?

If it leads to more happiness than unhappiness Signup and view all the answers

What does virtue ethics focus on in the context of abortion decisions?

The character of the person making the decision Signup and view all the answers

What concern arises from the idea of a moral community in relation to abortion?

It complicates the inclusion of the fetus Signup and view all the answers

According to rule utilitarianism, when might abortion restrictions be justified?

If it results in better societal outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible view on abortion from the perspective of virtue ethics?

It may reflect a moral failure or harm done Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the perspective that abortion is morally acceptable at any time and for any reason?

Pro-choice Signup and view all the answers

Which analogy is used to illustrate the continuity between zygotes and adults in the discussion of moral status?

Acorn and Oak Tree Signup and view all the answers

What flaw in the Slippery Slope Argument is identified?

Continuity does not inherently justify a moral right to life. Signup and view all the answers

According to the libertarian perspective, who ultimately decides on the abortion process?

The woman and her doctor Signup and view all the answers

The pro-life argument generally corresponds with which of the following beliefs?

Abortion is only acceptable to save the woman's life. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Slippery Slope Argument, what do defenders argue must be recognized?

The intrinsic value of human life over other life forms. Signup and view all the answers

What do critics argue is the basis for granting rights to entities like acorns?

Their species membership and relevant properties. Signup and view all the answers

What was the medical abortion rate as a percentage of all abortions in Sweden before it was available in Canada?

92% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guest Lecture

Grand River Hospital procedural abortion covered by OHIP
If no OHIP, procedure is expensive
Pro-life and Pro-choice rhetoric evokes strong emotions
Often portrayed as polar opinions
Terminology used in debate (e.g., killing vs. removing)
Pro-life views often consider victims as the babies
Pro-choice views often consider the choice of the woman
Religious and historical views differ on position
Notions of fetal rights vary between religions
No formal fetal rights in the Bible
Often women relied on herbal remedies to determine pregnancy

Rhetoric of Abortion

Language used is important in the debate
Using terms that evoke strong emotions, like killing vs. removing, influences opinions
Human life vs. body part arguments
Deontological claims (e.g., What is it?)
The passionate claims in the abortion debate
Important terminology is understood in different ways (e.g., autonomy, killing, removing)

Religious and Historical Views

No formal fetal rights in the bible
Often times women deduced pregnancy based on bodily changes
Often times women relied on herbal remedies to determine pregnancy
Notion of termination, in the past, sometimes associated with a soul entering the baby

Associated with Formed or Unformed Baby

Aristotle/Aquinas (40 days male, 90 days female)
Formation of soul in 19th century, linked to prohibition
Abortion discussed as a medical procedure in later years

Religious and Historical Perspectives

Notions of fetal life vary across religions
Religious and historical views differ on termination of pregnancy
Catholic Church's view on the soul being present from the start

Legal Perspectives

Medialization of pregnancy, contributed to the criminalization of abortion
Women's status and feminist movements influenced legal changes to abortion laws

Moral Questions and Arguments

Do fetuses have rights?
Is a fetus a person?
Should women be forced to carry unwanted fetuses to term?
Does a woman lose her autonomy during pregnancy?
Does a father have a say in an abortion?

Gestation as a Developmental Process

Defining personhood
Moral status of the fetus
When should their rights be considered vis-à-vis the woman's rights?

Late-Term Abortions

Controversy over late-term abortion procedures persists
Opposition and advocacy exist on both sides
Pro-life criticism on fetal viability and societal opposition
Pro-choice defense of free choice
Impact of Roe v Wade intensified organized opposition to abortion and strengthened pro-choice position

Autonomy & Rights of Women

Treating the fetus as a person undermines a woman's autonomy, impacting her bodily rights and choices.
Autonomy in bioethics emphasizes controlling one's body and decisions.
Pro-life and pro-choice feminist viewpoints on abortion conflict

Ethical Theory and Abortion

Abortion is a complex moral issue, with varying perspectives on moral community.
Moral arguments often assume a predetermined moral community, questioning the inclusion of the fetus, and whether fetal status is independent of/equal to the woman.
Kantian ethics stresses rational agents, with complexities in applying it to abortion, given a fetus's unique developmental stage and whether it meets the criteria for rational autonomy.
Utilitarian perspectives weigh potential outcomes and happiness affected by abortion.
Moral obligations associated with pregnancy and potential harm

Textbook Chapter 7: Abortion and Maternal-Fetal Conflicts

Legal situations in Canada and US, due to Supreme Court rulings (Roe v Wade and R v. Morgentaler)
The Supreme Court's ruling on abortion based on privacy
Viability, as a crucial aspect for justifying abortion limitations, as the fetus can survive outside the womb
Restrictions deemed unconstitutional on circumstances that involve abortion related to the fetus
Implications of fetal development on abortion views
Ongoing debate and differing legal rulings

Philosophical Reflection on Life, Soul, and Body

Catholic Church's stance on abortion
Aristotle's view on the soul and its different levels
Differences between the soul's presence, human development, and the start of life/birth

Modern Scientific Views

Biologists and psychologists explain life and consciousness without reference to a soul concept
No universally accepted definition of life, impacting the origins of life debates
Debate about fetal development, and what constitutes life in different contexts (philosophical, religious, medical).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the complexities of the abortion debate, including procedural considerations covered by OHIP and the emotional language used by both pro-life and pro-choice advocates. It examines how terminology can influence public opinion, as well as the differing religious and historical views surrounding the issue. Test your understanding of the rhetoric and ethical implications involved.