ETHC 445 Week 3 Course Project Milestone – Abortion
Student Name
Chamberlain University
ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics
Prof. Name
Date
Abortion
The ethical debate surrounding abortion is complex and highly contested. This discussion explores the moral perspectives on abortion through the lenses of ethical egoism and social contract ethics, aiming to present an unbiased analysis of both viewpoints. Advances in medical technology have enabled procedures and medications that alleviate suffering, including abortion, which is the termination of pregnancy. Abortions can be performed surgically or medically (Gugliotta, 1996). Despite medical progress, abortion remains an ethical dilemma, with approximately half a million procedures occurring annually in the United States alone (Rachels, 2018). The core of the controversy centers on moral questions about the value of life and individual rights.
What are the positions of an ethical egoist and a social contract ethicist on abortion?
Ethical egoism is a moral philosophy grounded in the principle of self-interest, meaning individuals prioritize their own well-being when making decisions (Rachels, 2018). From an ethical egoist perspective, the choice to have an abortion aligns with personal interest, especially if the individual feels unable or unwilling to care for a child. This view supports abortion as a morally permissible act based on self-interest, regardless of broader societal implications.
However, ethical egoism also aligns with the concept of commonsense morality, which includes respecting truth, keeping promises, and avoiding harm (Rachels, 2018). The act of abortion can conflict with the commonsense moral principle of not harming others, since pro-life advocates argue abortion constitutes the killing of a developing life, which they equate to murder.
Conversely, social contract ethics bases morality on mutually agreed rules within society. According to this view, rational individuals accept norms that maintain social order (Rachels, 2018). This means the morality of abortion depends on societal consensus and context. For example, in scenarios of overpopulation, abortion may be seen as a necessary measure to regulate population growth. Alternatively, in cases where population decline threatens societal survival, abortion might be regarded as immoral to preserve humanity.
The complexity of abortion is further highlighted by medical risks. McLean et al. (2019) refer to maternal death during abortion procedures as a “silent pandemic,” emphasizing the risk to the mother’s life in addition to the fetus. For social contract ethicists, this presents a conflict between personal and societal obligations. If a mother with existing children faces financial hardship and health risks, the decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy must weigh the welfare of current children against the potential loss of the mother’s life.
ETHC 445 Week 3 Course Project Milestone – Abortion
How do these ethical perspectives apply to abortion in practical terms?
| Ethical Perspective | Core Principle | Position on Abortion | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethical Egoism | Self-interest | Supports abortion based on individual choice | Moral conflict arises from commonsense principle of “do no harm” (Rachels, 2018). Abortion justified if caring for child is against self-interest. |
| Social Contract Ethics | Mutual agreement and societal rules | Morality of abortion depends on societal context | Views vary with social needs (e.g., population control). Balances personal obligations with societal well-being. Risks of maternal death influence moral judgment (McLean et al., 2019). |
What implications does abortion have for nursing ethics?
The American Nursing Association emphasizes the nurse’s role in promoting community health, preventing disease, and alleviating suffering regardless of personal beliefs (Zahedi et al., 2013). This ethical mandate supports providing care that prioritizes the patient’s well-being. In cases where pregnancy endangers the mother’s life, abortion may be viewed as a moral necessity to save the mother’s life, even if it means ending the life of the unborn child. Nurses must navigate these ethical challenges while respecting both patient autonomy and professional ethical codes.
References
Denis, L. (2007). Abortion and Kant’s Formula of Universal Law. Canadian Journal of Philosophy, 37(4), 547-579.
Gugliotta, M. (1996). Ethical dilemma of medical abortion. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 155(1), 18–19.
Kain, J. (2009). Kant’s Defense of Human Moral Status. Journal of the History of Philosophy, 47(1), 59–101. https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.0.0083
ETHC 445 Week 3 Course Project Milestone – Abortion
McLean, S., Desalegn, D. N., Blystad, A., & Miljeteig, I. (2019). When the law makes doors slightly open: ethical dilemmas among abortion service providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMC Medical Ethics, 20(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-019-0396-4
Rachels, J. (2018). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Zahedi, F., Sanjari, M., Aala, M., Peymani, M., Aramesh, K., Parsapour, A., Maddah, S. S. B., Cheraghi, M. A., Mirzabeigi, G. H., Larijani, B., & Dastgerdi, M. V. (2013). The Code of Ethics for Nurses. Iran J Public Health.