The question of whether abortion is justified in exceptional circumstances

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to prove that abortion should be justified when the mother has the right reasons, especially in the case where a pregnant woman is faced with a medical threat such as an invasive cervical cancer. Three other options, besides a direct abortion, will be proposed. These are the option of an indirect abortion; the option of withholding treatment until after delivery; and the option of continuing with the pregnancy whilst giving treatment. Each option will be compared to that of a direct abortion so as to demonstrate how this option is the best one in the given circumstances. One of the main principles which I will be discussing in this dissertation is the Principle of Double Effect. I will also be mentioning various other arguments like Judith Jarvis Thompson’s people-seed argument. I will also discuss a number of ethical considerations related to the foetus and abortion. Such arguments would include personhood, reproductive rights, foetal pain and whether abortion is to be considered as a form of ‘killing’.