more from Judith (Jarvis) Thomson

Single Idea 4062

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

Full Idea

No one is morally required to make large sacrifices, of health, and other interests and commitments, for nine months, in order to keep another person alive.

Gist of Idea

No one is morally required to make huge sacrifices to keep someone else alive for nine months

Source

Judith (Jarvis) Thomson (A Defense of Abortion [1971], p.135)

Book Reference

'Ethics for Modern Life', ed/tr. Abelson,R./Friquegnon,M [St Martin's 1987], p.135


A Reaction

It is a trade-off. It might become a duty if society (or even a husband) urgently needed the baby.