more from Judith (Jarvis) Thomson

Single Idea 4058

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

Full Idea

Can we say that a person has a right to life only if they didn't come into existence through rape, or that the latter have less right to life?

Gist of Idea

Is someone's right to life diminished if they were conceived by a rape?

Source

Judith (Jarvis) Thomson (A Defense of Abortion [1971], p.126)

Book Reference

'Ethics for Modern Life', ed/tr. Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M [St Martin's 1987], p.126


A Reaction

This would clearly be an inconsistency for some opponents of abortion who allow rape as an exception.