ABORTION: A MORAL QUANDARY OR A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT?

A POSITION PAPER ON READING AND WRITING SKILLS

SUBMITTED BY: RANCELLE EUNICE SELGA

SUBMITTED TO: JOY REN T. CANDOLE
SUBJECT TEACHER

JANUARY 2024
Abortion is still one of the most contentious and ethically difficult topics in modern culture. The goal of
this position paper is to examine the many viewpoints on abortion, raising ethical concerns and arguing
in favor of a more restrictive approach. Through a thorough analysis of multiple sources, this paper
seeks to offer a thorough comprehension of the complex aspects of abortion.
The issue of abortion, which has sparked passionate discussions for many years, is at the nexus of
personal freedom and morality. Philosophers have made a substantial contribution to the current
discussion by providing thoughtful viewpoints on whether abortion is a basic right or a moral conundrum.
In the end, this position paper argues against abortion by examining the various philosophical viewpoints
on the topic as offered by the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
The question of when personhood begins is at the center of the moral conundrum surrounding abortion.
Philosophers who tackle this problem frequently become mired in a web of opposing ideals: the freedom
of a woman to choose vs the potentiality of life. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy acknowledges
the intricacy of the subject and the wide range of responses it inspires and offers a comprehensive
examination of these moral complexities.
According to a philosophical position that is consistent with the moral quandary approach, abortion
becomes morally problematic if personhood is assigned to the fetus from the time of conception. This
perspective emphasizes the intrinsic worth of a future life, suggesting that ending a pregnancy at any
moment presents a moral conundrum. The moral conundrum is how to balance the rights and autonomy
of the expectant mother with the acknowledgement of the fetus as a developing human being.
As a voice of dissent in this discussion, I contend that abortion is a morally dubious procedure since
personhood begins at conception. From the earliest stages of fetal development, the essence of life is
there, with its potential for consciousness, self-awareness, and a future filled with experiences.
Understanding the moral ramifications of this viewpoint encourages a more thorough examination of the
moral obligations related to the choice to end a pregnancy.
The feminist viewpoint, which maintains that abortion is a fundamental right closely linked to a woman's
autonomy over her own body, is also highlighted by the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. This
perspective values a woman's autonomy to make decisions regarding her reproductive health free from
outside influence, even in the face of moral complexity. It frames abortion within the larger framework of
individual freedoms, positioning it as an exercise of physical integrity and personal autonomy.
The opposing viewpoint on abortion, on the other hand, contends that although individual liberties are
important, they must be constrained by a moral code that upholds the sanctity of potential life. The
ethical implications associated with a developing human being existing inside a woman's womb should
not be subordinated to the emphasis on a woman's autonomy. From this perspective, the freedom of
choice cannot be unqualified if it leads to the taking of an innocent life.
Examining the many philosophical viewpoints on abortion reveals that the moral conundrum affects not
just personal convictions but also society norms and the moral fabric that unites us. The opposing
viewpoint contends that the moral significance of potential life cannot be minimized or limited to matters
of individual preference. Recognizing the intrinsic worth of every individual, society bears a moral
obligation to safeguard life, especially in its most delicate and incipient stages.
The philosophical discussion also highlights the importance of the idea of bodily autonomy in the case
for abortion as a fundamental right. The opposing viewpoint emphasizes that while individual liberties
are respected, rights also entail obligations. The ethical obligation to protect the unborn child must be
weighed against the pregnant woman's right to autonomy.
Finally, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy's philosophical stances on abortion help to clarify the
complex web of moral principles, ethical considerations, and views that surround this complicated topic.
The opposing view contends that abortion cannot resolve the ethical conundrum that the potentiality of
life presents, despite the feminist approach positioning abortion as a fundamental right rooted in bodily
autonomy. According to this viewpoint, abortion is a moral dilemma that forces society to consider the
moral obligations associated with the choices we make regarding life and death. The opposing viewpoint
aims to maintain a moral framework that respects human life and puts ethical issues front and center in
the abortion debate while treading carefully.

https://iep.utm.edu/abortion/