Abortion Quote by Janet E. Smith
“You may be surprised to learn that, in our law, although the fetus is currently without the right to life, it does have some rights. For instance, under civil law, the unborn child has the right to inherit part of his father's estate should his father die before he is born, and he has the right to sue his Mother, or a doctor, for injuiries sustained while in the womb.”
About This Quote
Source Legal Text: US Civil Law Commentary, 2020
The unborn child holds limited civil rights, such as inheritance and the ability to sue for prenatal injuries, despite lacking a right to life.
In simple terms: Unborn children can inherit and sue, though they lack life rights.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that legal protections can exist without full moral status.
Themes
law
ethics
rights
personhood
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- estate planning
- prenatal injury lawsuits
- family law debates
Key Concepts
civil law
inheritance
medical liability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these rights affect abortion debates?
- What are the moral implications of granting limited rights?
A Different Perspective
Legal rights for fetuses are contested and vary by jurisdiction.
