To argue against abortion on the grounds that it prevents…
““To argue against abortion on the grounds that it prevents beings of high intrinsic value coming into the world is implicitly to condemn practices that reduce the future human population: contraception, whether by ‘artificial’ means or by ‘natural’ means such as abstinence on days when the woman is likely to be fertile, and also celibacy. This argument does not provide any reason for thinking abortion worse than any other means of population control. If the world is already overpopulated, the argument provides no reason at all against abortion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Arguing abortion is worse because it stops high‑value lives assumes all birth‑preventing methods are equally immoral, ignoring contraception and celibacy as similar controls.
In simple terms: Treating abortion like other population control methods shows inconsistency.
Key Takeaway
Recognize consistency in moral reasoning about reproduction.
Themes
ethics
reproductive rights
population control
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- personal decision making
- public health planning
Key Concepts
consequentialism
value theory
consistency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate moral weight of various birth‑control methods?
- What values should guide reproductive policies?
A Different Perspective
May overlook nuanced differences in intent and impact between abortion and contraception.