Creation and abortion : a study in moral philosophy / Frances Myrna Kamm.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kamm, F. M. (Frances Myrna)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Abortion--Moral and ethical aspects.

Abortion.

Abortion--Law and legislation.

Abortion--Law and legislation--United States.

United States.

Physical Description:

viii, 227 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, 1992.

Summary:

Most philosophical discussion of abortion assumes that if a fetus has the moral standing of a person, it has a right to life. Based on a non-consequentialist ethical theory, Creation and Abortion critically examines this widespread view.

Kamm begins by considering in detail the permissibility of killing in non-abortion cases which are similar to abortion cases. Then, emerging from a broader theory of creating new people responsibly, the question of the permissibility of abortion in many types of pregnancies is considered, including ones resulting from rape, voluntary pregnancy, and pregnancy resulting from a voluntary sex act, even if the fetus is considered a person. Turning to related issues, Kamm explores the implications of this argument for informed consent to abortion; responsibilities in pregnancy that is not aborted; and the significance of extra-uterine gestation devices for the permissibility of abortion.

Contents:

1. May We Kill in Nonabortion Cases? 20

2. Applying the Argument to Specific Nonabortion Cases 42

3. Variations and Alternatives 64

4. May We Kill in Abortion Cases? 78

5. Creating Responsibly 124

6. Informed Consent, Responsibilities in Pregnancy, and External Means of Gestation 186.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0195072839 :

0195072847

OCLC:

65094582