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Can prolife theorists justify an exception for rape?

Bruce P Blackshaw1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

Bioethics
|October 2, 2021
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This study explores if the prolife stance, asserting a right to life from conception, can accommodate abortion exceptions in rape cases. It finds modifications are possible but may compromise core prolife principles.

Keywords:
Thomsonabortionproliferapesubstance view

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Reproductive Rights

Background:

  • The prolife position asserts equal moral status and right to life for all human beings from conception.
  • This view traditionally prohibits abortion in all circumstances, including cases of rape.
  • Critics deem this an extreme stance, lacking exceptions for difficult circumstances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the compatibility of the prolife claim of equal moral status with a moderate stance allowing abortion exceptions in cases of rape.
  • To determine if the prolife position can be modified without fundamentally altering its core tenets.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Judith Jarvis Thomson's philosophical framework on rights.
  • Application of Thomson's rights analysis to the prolife argument.
  • Examination of potential concessions required to modify the prolife stance.

Main Results:

  • Judith Jarvis Thomson's analysis can theoretically modify the prolife position to allow for abortion exceptions in cases of rape.
  • Such modifications necessitate concessions that may be unacceptable to traditional prolife theorists.
  • The study highlights a philosophical tension between absolute prolife claims and nuanced ethical considerations.

Conclusions:

  • While philosophically possible to adapt the prolife stance, the required concessions challenge its foundational principles.
  • The absolute prolife claim faces significant challenges when confronted with specific ethical dilemmas like rape.
  • Reconciling the prolife view with exceptions requires a re-evaluation of its core assumptions regarding moral status and rights.