Moral Controversy on Abortion
Introduction
Abortion is a practice that has ignited a heated debate as various groups and individuals have different perspectives on the subject matter. The controversies surrounding abortion are because of the multitude of aspects from individuals including ethical, moral, religious, social, economic, medical, and legal perspectives (Niţă et al., 2020). From an ethical point of view, the issue of abortion is viewed on both sides between the woman’s right over her body and the child’s right to life. For religious individuals, abortion is unacceptable and is considered a homicide. From a socio-economic perspective, the decision to consider an abortion is guided by relations with family or financial frame.
In some countries, abortion is guided by certain regulations that establish conditions where abortion can be considered. Nevertheless, despite the aspect guiding an individual’s perspective on the matter, women undergo a notable moral dilemma regarding the issue of abortion as the decision takes into account harm to the child, the risk of complications, and the responsibility that comes with childbirth. This paper presents a dilemma situation experienced by a woman and applies different theories to establish the most ethical decision to the dilemma.
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Summary of the Dilemma
Amelia, a 29-year-old Hispanic woman recently discovered that she is pregnant. She is the eldest in a family of six and he helps in providing for her family. She is pursuing her degree in accounting and works part-time at a local bookstore. She is aware of the responsibility that comes with childbirth and does not think she is ready or has the financial capability to take care of the child. She is aware of her legal right to an abortion but faces challenges in accessing the service due to her racial background. On the other hand, she is a believer and is aware of the sanctity of life. Amelia faces a dilemma as she navigates her autonomy, desires, the sanctity of life, and health disparities she may encounter when accessing safe abortion due to her minority status.
Key Terms Associated with the Dilemma
Health disparities; This is the difference in health outcomes of a particular group resulting from a social or economic disadvantage. Minority groups including blacks and Hispanics face health disparities in the United States. In this case, Amelia is facing an agonizing situation where in a situation where she may choose to terminate the pregnancy, she may not have access to legal services on the same.
Woman’s rights; this term is central to the controversy surrounding abortion. It illustrates the fundamental principle that women have the autonomy to decide on their reproductive health. In this case, Amelia is an ardent advocate for woman’s rights and believed that women should have control of their lives.
Sanctity of life; this term puts into consideration the value of human life. Rachels & Rachels (2023) state this is a Christian narrative where life is viewed as valuable and precious regardless of age, race, social As such, abortions are perceived as a lack of value for human life.
Analysis of the Controversy Surrounding the Dilemma
The controversy highlighted in Amelia’s case is that experienced by minority groups including blacks and Hispanic women. The dilemma highlights a multifaceted interplay between women’s autonomy, social inequities, and healthcare access. According to Keegan et al. (2023), structural inequalities result in the over-representation of ethnic populations, and as such, acute care surgeons may encounter increased cases of complications resulting from self-managed abortion from minority populations. In addition, the situation also illuminated a debate over how women especially from ethnic groups exercise their reproductive anatomy. Given that black and Hispanic women face health disparities when accessing abortion (Watson, 2022) and (Lanphier 2022) suggests that bioethicists and equity advocates should strengthen their advocacy for the increased access to medical care including reproductive health care for black, Hispanic, and poor women.
Ethical Egoist and Social Contract Approach to Abortion
In their book, Rachels & Rachels (2022) states, “Ethical Egoism claims that each person ought to pursue his or her own self-interest exclusively”. “Ethical Egoism makes a claim about morality, or
about how things should be” In the debate of the existing controversy on the issue of abortion, the decision to either support or oppose abortion must align with their desires and well-being. As such, an action that supports one interest is that which maximizes one benefit with minimal potential harm. For example, in a situation where one faces an unplanned pregnancy, one should access the potential consequence of continuing or terminating the pregnancy. One should consider their ambitions, long-term goals, financial status, and emotional well-being. After delving deeper, if one sees the pregnancy as a barrier to their ambitions, long-term goals, and emotional well-being, then the decision to arrive upon is terminating the pregnancy. On the other hand, if the pregnancy aligns with the self-interest of the party, then the ultimate decision would be to continue with the pregnancy. The decision to terminate the pregnancy is made without the worry of community moral judgment or pressure so long as it aligns with self-interest. While this may be the best decision from an ethical egoist, Rachels & Rachels (2022) claims “ethical Egoism fails as a moral theory” as it fails to recognize other people’s needs Moral Controversy on Abortion.
According to Rachels & Rachels (2022) “social contrast morality consists in the set of rules, governing behavior, that rational people will accept, on the condition that others accept them as well.” As such, when faced with controversy on a certain issue, one’s decision is guided by mutual consent and societal obligation dependent on the agreement. On the topic of abortion, the decision to support or oppose a pregnancy is guided by the widely held societal agreement. For example, in a state where abortion is allowed only when it puts the life of the mother at risk, then the moral obligation of a person who does not want the pregnancy is to continue with the pregnancy. Contrarily, if the pregnancy poses a threat to the mother’s life, as per the state agreement, then one can consider terminating the pregnancy. As such, this approach creates a debate on the dynamic interplay between the principle of autonomy and societal responsibility as one’s decision is guided by the social contract implicit agreement.
Professional Code of Ethics Relevant to Abortion
A relevant code of ethics that guides the topic of abortion is the American Medical Association of Medical Ethics. It provides a guideline on how to deal with issues related to abortion to physicians and medical professionals. According to Watson, K. (2018) professionals have a responsibility to support the patient’s autonomy over their reproductive health. The code emphasizes that physicians are also human beings guided by individual religious and moral beliefs that may at times conflict with that of the patient. The code guides physicians that they must not impose their personal beliefs on their patients. The code admits that law and ethics are intertwined but they do not always align. As such as stated American Medical Association (n.d) in some cases, the law may be ethically unacceptable and vice versa. Therefore, the AMA code of ethics aims to bring a balance between patient rights and as professionals uphold their duty to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.
Conflicts that Arise from the Topic of Abortion
The topic of abortion can create a conflict between professionals and familial duties and a conflict between self and community loyalty. The professional conflict that may arise is one when professional religious and moral beliefs are contrary to the patient’s autonomy to seek an abortion. Balancing their moral conviction and the responsibility to respect individual autonomy creates an inner conflict. Regarding familial conflict, a patient may be torn between following family beliefs and personal values concerning abortion. Loyalty between community and self may also create a conflict. This arises when one is faced with a dilemma to uphold their commitment to their interest or the collective interest of the community. These conflicts represent the complex interplay between personal values, professional duty, and societal demands.
Moral Thing the Person Facing the Dilemma Should Do
In this case, Amelia is faced with a dilemma as to whether or not she should keep her child. The moral thing to do in this case is to carefully analyze the situation while considering the value of autonomy, compassion, and justice. When considering the autonomy value, she has a right to make decisions about her reproductive body. She also should consider justice where she may not have access to safe abortion. Given all considerations, the most moral thing Amelia should do is continue with the pregnancy and later give up the baby for adoption.
Theories to Address the Dilemma
The Aristotle Golden Mean to dilemma states that one should seek a balance between two extreme decisions. In this case, Amelia should make a choice based on a balanced approach between women’s autonomy and long-term interest. Applying utilitarianism to the dilemma seeks to do good that is most beneficial to the involved parties. It takes into account assessing the available options such as financial constraints, social support, education, and work status. Natural Law ethics emphasizes the value of human life and protecting it at all costs. In Amelia’s case, the most ethical theory that could apply is the utilitarianism theory to the dilemma. Sheskin & Baumard (2016) claims the utilitarianism approach emphasizes minimizing risks and maximizing benefit thus focusing on the overall well-being of all parties involved. In this case, Amelia should consider the potential consequences on both herself and her child.
Aristotle’s Golden Rule and natural law ethics may not work as well for Amelia’s situation. For Aristotle’s Golden role, it emphasizes seeking a balance between two conflicting values. In this case, the nature of Amelia’s situation is complex as it involves her limited access to care and also her self-interest. The Natural law of ethics may also not well apply as it focuses on the value of life without considering other values such as women’s rights and the principle of compassion for the unborn child. Utilitarianism aligns with the moral decision I highlighted and should be considered by Amelia. For Utilitarianism, the decision Amelia should consider is the overall happiness and well-being of her and the unborn child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the topic of abortion creates a profound dilemma as different individuals are guided by different personal, societal, and ethical principles. Amelia’s situation illustrates the conflicting values that bring about controversies on the topic. Addressing ethical dilemmas like those of abortion may involve the application of ethical theories to guide decision-making. Natural law ethics emphasizes value for human life, and utilitarianism theory emphasizes making a decision that maximizes benefit and minimizes harm to the parties involved. Aristotle’s Golden Mean focuses on creating a balance between conflicting values. Therefore, Amelia’s situation prompts her to apply the utilitarian approach to
solve the dilemma
.
References
American Medical Association. (n.d.). AMA Code of Medical Ethics. https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/4.2.7.pdf
Keegan, G., Francis, M., Chalmers, K., Hoofnagle, M., Noory, M., Essig, R., … & Chor, J. (2023). Trauma of abortion restrictions and forced pregnancy: urgent implications for acute care surgeons. Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open, 8(1), e001067. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tsaco-2022-001067
Lanphier, E. (2022). Abortion and the Intersection of Ethics, Activism, and Politics. The American Journal of Bioethics, 22(8), 72-74.
Rachels , J., & Rachels, S. (2022). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (10th ed.) Moral Controversy on Abortion.
Sheskin, M., & Baumard, N. (2016). Switching away from utilitarianism: The limited role of utility calculations in moral judgment.
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Watson, K. (2018). Why we should stop using the term “elective abortion”.
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Watson, K. (2022). The ethics of access: Reframing the need for abortion care as a health disparity. The American Journal of Bioethics, 22(8), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2022.2075976
Moral Controversy on Abortion
For egoism, you do not show if abortion is in the interests of the self or not. Social contract is not about saying that if something causes mental suffering to someone else, it is wrong. Social contract is not about saying all life is valuable. You are providing text that needs quotation marks and has none. Return to the topic you chose in the week three assignment. Articulate a specific dilemma in a situation faced by a particular person based on that topic. The situation can be real or fictional.
Summarize the dilemma.
Define any needed key terms associated with the dilemma.
Analyze the conflicts or controversies involved in the dilemma.
Revise and rewrite based on any feedback you received in your previous draft (week three). Reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, etc. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties or conflicts between loyalty to self and loyalty to a community or nation.
What in your view is the most moral thing for that person to do in that dilemma? Why is that the most moral thing? Use moral values and logical reasoning to justify your answer
Next, apply the following:
Aristotle’s Golden Mean to the dilemma
Utilitarianism to the dilemma
Natural Law ethics to the dilemma
Which of those three theories works best ethically speaking? Why that one?
Why do the other two not work or not work as well?
Is it the same as what you said is the most moral thing earlier? Why or why not?
Use the 5 articles from your annotated bibliography to support your answers. (Additional academic scholarly research from the past 5 years can be included as well.)
Include a reference page at the end of your paper in APA format that includes your bibliography with the annotations removed and any other sources used in your final Moral Controversy on Abortion paper.