Simon Smith argues that many discussions of abortion miss the point.
http://philosophynow.org/issues/94/A_Matter_of_Consent
A Matter of Consent
Re: A Matter of Consent
Simon's points ring well with me. Only the woman who is pregnant has the real connection with the being developing in her womb to know if it is a lasting possibility of life. To deny her her feelings about what is what inside her is to deny her person, and denying her person is basically what differentiates rape from consensual sex. Is a women making a consciously selfish choice when deciding to terminate before pregnancy gets too advanced, and her own life is subsequantly endangered, or is she just making a conscious choice, which is not for the main part guided by selfish concerns, or intent to commit homicide? How is homicidal intent even possible for something that is biologically a part of you?
Perhaps angels know, but angels aren't running the legal system.
Perhaps angels know, but angels aren't running the legal system.