Abortion Quote by Richard Dawkins
““A consequentialist or utilitarian is likely to approach the abortion question in a very different way, by trying to weigh up suffering. Does the embryo suffer? (Presumably not if it is aborted before it has a nervous system; and even if it is old enough to have a nervous system it surely suffers less than, say, an adult cow in a slaughterhouse.) Does the pregnant woman, or her family, suffer if she does not have an abortion? Very possibly so; and, in any case, given that the embryo lacks a nervous system, shouldn't the mother's well-developed nervous system have the choice?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, 2006
A utilitarian view weighs suffering of all parties, suggesting that if the embryo lacks consciousness, the mother's autonomy should decide.
In simple terms: Weigh suffering; prioritize conscious beings' choices.
Key Takeaway
Respect the mother's decision.
Themes
ethics
autonomy
consequentialism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical decision making
- family counseling
- policy debate
- personal health choices
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
rights
pain perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance potential vs actual suffering?
- What criteria define moral consideration?
A Different Perspective
May overlook moral status of potential life beyond consciousness.
