Question

Briefly explain the central argument in Judith Jarvis Thomson's essay "A Defense of Abortion." What position does she grant 'for argument's sake'? What does she claim concerning rights in general, rights for women, and rights for fetuses? What is her general assertion concerning the morality of abortion?

Do you agree with her position/conclusion? Do you agree somewhat? Or do you strongly disagree? In answering, engage directly with Thomson's essay (i.e., pick out a specific claim and explain why you think it is convincing, needs improvement, or is entirely flawed).

Answer 1

A Defence of Abortion by Thomson describes the rights of a women to abort with various reasons which are practically acceptable but at the same time arguing that the fetus by any chance is born alive in a late term abortion the mother has no rights to kill the baby.Her description in the following ways justifies one's view.They are as following

• Violinist :A person cannot use another person's body against permission to save their life. (A fetus has no right to use the mother's body for survival without the mothers consent)
• Expanding child:A person cannot use another person's place and unintentionally cause harm to the owner. (A fetus growing in the womb can burst it and endanger mother's life ,but the fetis to walk out alive)
• People's seed:A women necessarily continue an accidental or unplanned pregnancy besides taking precautions (A minor in rape case,failure if contraception, etc.,)

In general every women has the right to take decision in regards to abortion if the growing fetus may endanger their life.The right of the fetus stands strong after being born alive in a late term abortion ,where the newborn deserves to live and no one has the rights to kill it for any reasons including the mother.

Hence Thomsons view are acceptable and agreeable to an extent but it cannot be strongly agreed because it is against the right of a fetus.