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The place for individual conscience.
1Catholics For a Free Choice, Washington, DC, USA.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|September 28, 2001
Summary
This article examines abortion decisions from feminist and Catholic perspectives, highlighting societal factors influencing the debate. It proposes finding common ground to resolve the abortion controversy, emphasizing the woman
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Feminist Theology
- Social Science
Background:
- Societal understanding of abortion is shaped by technological advancements, communitarianism, and the commodification of children.
- The abortion debate is often contentious, reflecting deeply held personal principles and values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the abortion decision through liberationist, feminist, and Catholic viewpoints.
- To propose methods for de-escalating the abortion debate by seeking common ground.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical and ethical analysis of abortion.
- Examination of the Catholic Church's stance on abortion, including the principle of probablism.
- Review of Catholics For a Free Choice's position on abortion.
Main Results:
- The Catholic Church lacks a definitive stance on fetal personhood.
- The principle of probablism suggests individual conscience should guide Catholics on abortion.
- The Church's absolute prohibition on abortion is not considered infallible doctrine.
Conclusions:
- The abortion debate can be constructively navigated by acknowledging the merits of opposing viewpoints.
- Ultimately, the decision to have an abortion rests with the individual woman.