The Ethics of Abortion: Women's Rights, Human Life, and the Question of Justice

The overturning of Roe v Wade emphasizes the ethical consideration of abortion, and this book provides a comprehensive case against it. It evaluates the major grounds for denying basic rights to fetal human beings and offers justifications for respecting all human beings, including those in utero. It also critiques the view that abortion is not wrong even if the human fetus is a person. The book discusses hard cases for both pro-life and pro-abortion defenders and concludes with a discussion of artificial wombs. It provides reasoned justification for the view that all intentional abortions are ethically wrong and that doctors and nurses should not be forced to act against their consciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The overturning of Roe v. Wade has brought about a heightened ethical significance in the discussion surrounding abortion. This book, appealing to reason rather than religious belief, presents the most comprehensive case against the choice of abortion yet published. In its third edition, "The Ethics of Abortion" critically evaluates all the major grounds for denying fundamental rights to fetal human beings. It also offers several non-theological justifications for the conclusion that all human beings, including those in utero, should be respected as persons.

The book explores hard cases for both pro-life and pro-abortion advocates, such as abortion in cases of rape or to save the woman's life. It also examines hard cases for defenders of abortion, such as sex selection abortion and the rationale for being personally opposed but publicly supportive of abortion. The book concludes with a discussion of whether artificial wombs might end the abortion debate.

Answering the arguments of defenders of abortion, this book provides reasoned justification for the view that all intentional abortions are ethically wrong and that doctors and nurses who object to abortion should not be forced to act against their consciences.

Updates and Revisions to the Third Edition Include:

Discusses Achas Burins 2014 essay, "Beyond Pragmatism: Defending the 'Bright Line of Birth" in chapter 3.

Incorporates into chapter 8 David Boonin's cogently argued 2019 book, "Beyond Roe: Why Abortion Should be Legal – Even if the Fetus is a Person."

Expands chapter 9 to examine tragic cases in which prenatal diagnosis determines with certainty that a fetus will suffer from a severe disability.

Overall, "The Ethics of Abortion" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the ethical considerations surrounding abortion. It provides a comprehensive and reasoned analysis of the issues, challenging readers to think critically and consider the implications of their beliefs on this important topic.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032304632
Edition number: 3 ed