Single Idea 4059

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

Full Idea

It cannot seriously be thought to be murder if a mother performs an abortion on herself to save her own life (if, say, she had a serious heart condition).

Gist of Idea

It can't be murder for a mother to perform an abortion on herself to save her own life

Source

Judith (Jarvis) Thomson (A Defense of Abortion [1971], p.127)

Book Reference

'Ethics for Modern Life', ed/tr. Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M [St Martin's 1987], p.127


A Reaction

An extreme view might condemn such an action, but it can hardly be based on the 'sanctity of life'.