more from Jonathan Glover

Single Idea 4675

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 2. Population / a. Human population]

Full Idea

Accepting views about the sanctity of life of the foetus commits us to a policy of drastically increasing the proportion of the population who are seriously abnormal.

Gist of Idea

The sanctity of life doctrine implies a serious increase of abnormality among the population

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §11.7)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.149


A Reaction

This is a utilitarian view, and one with which I sympathise. We can't steamroller women's feelings for some greater dream about humanity, but the larger picture is vital to the discussion.