ETHC 445 Week 7 Course Project Milestone – Final Paper

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Chamberlain University

ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics

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Abortion: A Moral Dilemma

Abortion remains a divisive and controversial topic in modern society. Proponents of abortion argue that a woman has the right to control her own body and make decisions regarding her pregnancy, as it is ultimately her responsibility. One common argument from the pro-choice perspective is that an embryo is not yet a baby because it lacks the ability to think, feel, or experience consciousness. In contrast, those who oppose abortion believe that it is a violation of human rights, as it involves ending the life of a potential human being, which they equate with murder. This ongoing debate highlights the complex moral and ethical dimensions of abortion.

The Moral Dilemma: Maria’s Case

Maria, an 18-year-old woman, found herself pregnant after engaging in casual sex with men she met through a dating app. Fearful of the reaction from her religious parents and society, she considered abortion. Maria’s parents held strong religious beliefs that deemed abortion sinful, and she feared that her reputation would be damaged if others found out about her pregnancy. In seeking a solution, Maria turned to a friend who accompanied her to an abortion clinic. After discussing her concerns, a doctor prescribed her four pills to be taken over four days to induce the abortion. The first pill caused Maria significant pain, but her anxiety about her parents’ reaction seemed to overpower the physical discomfort. However, after a few days, Maria opted for a surgical abortion because the pill regimen was not providing the expected results. The abortion left Maria feeling depressed and guilty, as she became more concerned with how others would perceive her than with her own well-being. This case underscores the potential physical and emotional consequences of an abortion, particularly when it is performed under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Ethical Theories and Abortion

In examining the moral implications of abortion, two ethical theories stand out: ethical egoism and social contract theory. Ethical egoism posits that individuals should act according to their own self-interest (Rachels, 2018). From this perspective, an ethical egoist would argue that Maria should undergo an abortion if it aligns with her personal interests, as an unintended pregnancy could significantly disrupt her life. The ethical egoist viewpoint prioritizes Maria’s autonomy and well-being, disregarding external influences such as her parents’ religious beliefs.

In contrast, social contract theory suggests that individuals live together in a society governed by a contract that dictates their moral obligations (Stark, 2019). From this perspective, a woman has a moral duty to preserve the life of a fetus before it reaches the stage of becoming a fully developed human being. For a social contract theorist, abortion is a violation of the fetus’s right to life and is morally unjustifiable. This viewpoint highlights the potential conflict between personal interests and societal moral expectations, particularly in the context of religious beliefs and cultural norms.

The Role of Nurses in Abortion Care

Regardless of personal beliefs, healthcare providers, including nurses and doctors, have a professional duty to respect their patients’ rights and provide care without judgment. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, nurses must offer unbiased, non-judgmental care to all patients, regardless of their background or personal views on abortion (ANA, 2001). This professional duty is particularly relevant in Maria’s case, as her healthcare providers were responsible for performing the abortion in a respectful and ethical manner, ensuring that her wishes were honored despite any personal disagreements about abortion.

Under the ethical egoism framework, Maria’s decision to seek an abortion can be seen as an expression of self-interest, as she acted to preserve her personal well-being. Despite the pressures from her family and society, Maria took control of her situation and made a decision that she believed was best for her happiness and stability. This aligns with Aristotle’s concept of virtue as a mean between extremes, where the right action is the one that reflects rational decision-making in pursuit of personal happiness (Aristotle, 1999).

Utilitarianism also supports Maria’s decision, as it prioritizes the greatest good for the individual. If the abortion leads to Maria’s greater happiness and well-being, then it can be considered the morally correct choice. From this perspective, the morality of abortion depends on its consequences for the individual, rather than on intrinsic values like the sanctity of life.

Conclusion: A Pro-Choice Perspective

Ultimately, I align more with the pro-choice perspective on abortion. I believe that a woman should have the right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy based on her own circumstances and what she deems best for her life. This view is consistent with ethical egoism, which advocates for personal autonomy and self-interest, and utilitarianism, which emphasizes the importance of maximizing an individual’s well-being. While religious and societal views may differ, it is important to respect a woman’s autonomy over her own body and her right to make decisions that affect her life.

References

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2001). Code of ethics for nurses. American Nurses Association, Washington, D.C.

Aristotle. (1999). Nicomachean ethics (H. Rackham, Trans.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Denis, L. (2008, January 10). Animality and agency: A Kantian approach to abortion. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 76(1), 117-137. Retrieved from Wiley Online Library.

Felzamann, H. (2017, March 9). Utilitarianism as an approach to ethical decision making in healthcare. SpringerLink.

Irving, D. N. (2000, February). Abortion: Correct application of natural law theory. The Linacre Quarterly, 67(1), 45. Retrieved from https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2215&context=lnq