Must we have full moral status throughout our existence? A reply to Alfonso Gómez-Lobo.
Those who are morally opposed to abortion generally make several pivotal assumptions. This paper focuses on the assumption that we have full moral status throughout our existence. Coupled with the assumption that we come into existence at conception, the assumption about moral status entails that all human fetuses have full moral status, including a right to life. Is the assumption about moral status correct? In addressing this question, I respond to several arguments advanced, in this journal and other venues, by Alfonso Gómez-Lobo. Gómez-Lobo's reasoning resolves into two basic arguments: (1) an appeal to the practical necessity of early moral protection and (2) an appeal to our kind membership and potentiality. I respond to these in turn before offering further reflections.
DeGrazia
David
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Department of Philosophy, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics*; D033421:Beginning of Human Life / Q000941:ethics; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D005306:Fertilization; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D028681:Moral Obligations; D026712:Value of Life