Liberty, utility, and justice: an ethical approach to unwanted pregnancy.
Three moral principles provide an ethical basis for the management of unwanted pregnancy. The principle of liberty guarantees a right to freedom of action; the utilitarian principle defines moral rightness by the greatest good for the greatest number; and justice requires that everyone have equitable access to necessary goods and services. Applied to unwanted pregnancy, these principles yield the conclusion that women have a natural right to reproductive freedom, and a social right to family planning and abortion services.
Macklin
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Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461.
D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000639:trends; D003906:Developing Countries; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D012945:Social Values; D014933:Women's Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*