Single Idea 4664

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 3. Abortion]

Full Idea

It is hard to see how the 'potential' argument can succeed against abortion without also succeeding against contraception.

Gist of Idea

If abortion is wrong because of the 'potential' person, that makes contraception wrong too

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §9.2)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.122


A Reaction

It would even make it wrong not to introduce a given man to a given woman, if you thought they might be attracted! Maybe 'incipient' would be a better word than 'potential'? A person has been 'initiated'? Do words matter that much?