Skip to content

Abortion Quote by Peter Singer

“There's a difference between early and late abortions. If you have a late abortion, where the fetus might feel pain, then I think you should have a good reason. Because then you're inflicting pain. As you go through the third trimester, you need to have more serious reasons to end a pregnancy.” quote by Peter Singer
Download Open image
“There's a difference between early and late abortions. If you have a late abortion, where the fetus might feel pain, then I think you should have a good reason. Because then you're inflicting pain. As you go through the third trimester, you need to have more serious reasons to end a pregnancy.”

Peter Singer

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public debate on reproductive ethics, 2010

Later-stage abortions may cause fetal pain, so stronger justification is required.

In simple terms: Late abortions need serious reasons.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethical implications of timing.

Themes

ethics abortion pain justice

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical controversial

When to use this quote

  • medical counseling
  • policy making
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

bioethics moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it possible to balance fetal rights and maternal autonomy?
  • What criteria define a “good reason”?
A Different Perspective

Pain perception in fetuses is scientifically debated.

2.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Peter Singer

Explore all 310 Peter Singer quotes

More Abortion quotes

Browse all 1,629 Abortion quotes