more from Judith (Jarvis) Thomson

Single Idea 4057

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

Full Idea

A newly fertilized ovum, a newly implanted clump of cells, is no more a person than an acorn is an oak tree.

Gist of Idea

A newly fertilized ovum is no more a person than an acorn is an oak tree

Source

Judith (Jarvis) Thomson (A Defense of Abortion [1971], p.125)

Book Reference

'Ethics for Modern Life', ed/tr. Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M [St Martin's 1987], p.125


A Reaction

This relies heavily on the philosopher's concept of a 'person', but it seems right to me.