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Abortion Quote by Potter Stewart

“Abortion is inherently different from other medical procedures because no other procedure involves the purposeful termination of a potential life.” quote by Potter Stewart
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“Abortion is inherently different from other medical procedures because no other procedure involves the purposeful termination of a potential life.”

Potter Stewart

About This Quote

Source Court Opinion: Stewart v. Martinez, 1976

Abortion uniquely ends a potential life, distinguishing it ethically from other medical acts.

In simple terms: Abortion ends potential life.

Key Takeaway

Weigh the moral weight of potential life.

Themes

ethics life medicine

Mood

serious controversial

Type

legal ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • medical counseling
  • legislative drafting
  • public health education

Key Concepts

law bioethics philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should law treat potential life?
  • What alternatives exist to abortion?
A Different Perspective

Potential life status is contested and varies culturally.

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