Minseo Kang 9CCL / 9-3
<Abortion> Applied Ethics - Y9 Independent Learning Project
The exact definition of abortion is the deliberate or intentional termination of an embryo
or foetus, which is most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. There are 6
types of abortion, depending on the circumstances and gestation period.1 Abortion is a
common medical procedure; around 73 million abortions take place (worldwide each year);
61% of all unintended pregnancies, and 29% of all pregnancies.
Consequently, abortion has always been a controversial topic. Medical abortion is 99%
effective, however 5% of the women need further medical care. However, around 45% of all
abortions are not safe, unsafe abortions can be preventable, nevertheless the consequences are
devastating.2 Lack of access to safe, timely, affordable, and respectful abortion is a critical
public health and human rights issue. Nurses must arrive at a statement of rational and logical
manner; they must be certain to perform this procedure. Discussion of the ethics of abortion
mostly rests on 1 specific foundation: the rights of the pregnant woman as opposed to those
of the foetus.3 Some think that abortion is morally acceptable as some women might just not
be in the situation capable for the growing foetus – so the pregnant women’s position is more
prioritised in a way, whilst others believe that the foetus must also be readily seen as the
foetus is also a living being.
Natural Moral Law
Abortion viewed by the Natural Moral Law concept, is forbidden. Abortion goes against the
primary principles of the Natural Moral Law such as reproduction and the preservation of
innocent life. Additionally, the act of abortion is intentionally murdering innocent life, which
goes against the precept of worshipping God, the creator of life. Consequentially, Christians
see the foetus as a human being, seeing abortion as an absolute wrong action. Also, some
others disagree on the use of birth control pills too; it is scientifically proven that "birth
control pills usually prevent pregnancy, but sometimes they cause an abortion.4"
Divine Command Theory
The Divine Command Theory doesn’t clearly state abortion as right or wrong, however most
agree that it is more likely that the Divine Command Theory goes against abortion, since God
1
Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage); early medical abortion (up to seven weeks / typically for
ectopic pregnancies - which can be life threatening if left untreated); medical abortion (up to 10
weeks / medicine is taken to end the pregnancy, removing it in a similar way as having a period),
vacuum/suction aspiration abortion (up to 16 weeks / used as a main method, or used after a failed
previous medical abortion); D&E abortion (after 14 weeks / when an abortion has been delayed or
there is a severe medical problem with the foetus); induction abortion (up to 27 weeks / rarely used
method.
2
Unsafe abortion can lead to physical and mental health complications, social and financial burdens
for women, communities, and health systems.
3
Whether the foetus is seen as a human being (with equal rights as the pregnant woman); and
additionally, the situation of the pregnant woman / hardships of pregnancy.
4
(http://www.rsrevision.com/Alevel/ethics/natural_law/applied.htm)
Minseo Kang 9CCL / 9-3
<Abortion> Applied Ethics - Y9 Independent Learning Project
has created life and killing an innocent being is not acceptable. God forbids us to
intentionally murder another. The Divine Command Theory is alike to the Natural Moral
Law. However, the difference is that, in the Divine Command Theory things / actions can
only be viewed in two ways: good or bad; according to God’s commandments (all actions are
absolute). The problem is some actions aren’t justified by God, and if God says some action
is ‘good’, then believers of the Divine Command Theory unconditionally must agree too
(without considering the consequences of the action or any other intentions).
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism focuses on the greater happiness and the consequences of actions. Abortion is
morally permissible if the woman makes the decision while being aware of the consequences
of her decision to herself and the foetus. Some say that Utilitarians prioritise the pregnant
woman’s happiness over the foetus’ happiness. However, some others might argue it is hard
to measure happiness, so abortion can be either right or wrong in the eyes of a Utilitarian.
Utilitarianism depends heavily on consequences – this means if the pregnant woman feels
any sign of guilt, grief or emotional distress, abortion is impermissible. 5 This shows how
Utilitarianism depends significantly on the person and situation.
Kantian Ethics
Many Kantian Ethics supporters would agree that abortion is immoral, since this action can
be seen as selfish, in a way, because the pregnant women is not thinking of her foetus.
However, they would also see abortion as necessary and required in some situations. In a
dangerous situation, Kantian supporters will also view abortion as correct. In addition, a
considerable amount of others would also hold neutral views to abortion, and they would
respect abortion – the action is ultimately up to the pregnant woman. 6 Kantian Ethics has
more varieties compared to the other ethical theories.
In conclusion, I believe that abortion should be tolerated. However, like Utilitarianist beliefs
the pregnant woman should be very definite of her decision and the consequences that follow.
Also, like Kantian beliefs, I believe that the pregnant woman should be altruist; only aborting
her child if necessary. Personally, I believe that the foetus is also a living being (and should
not be aborted if possible – Natural Moral Law). I mostly would respect the pregnant
woman’s decision as the foetus and her body belongs to her. I think that the scientific
perspective of abortion is most reasonable and logical – I would rely on the medical experts’
opinion accordingly.
5
(https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/millsonph115/2014/11/20/painless-killing-for-a-utilitarian/)
6
(https://tnnlu.ac.in/pdf/2019/Jonural%20Committee/6.%20Article%204%20-%20Kini.pdf)
