While Roshi Aitken’s perceptions surrounding abortion seem intuitive, I disagree with his argument. He acknowledges the conflict between a woman's "sexual/reproductive drive and the realities of her life." He supports women who decide on abortion and says, "there is not blame, but rather acknowledgment that sadness pervades the whole universe, and this bit of life goes with our deepest love." This is in the context of North America, where there is no major issue of overpopulation, and it takes place in a time where the world is not ending in war over food and water if more people are brought onto the planet. I think circumstances matter, and thinking about their importance does not mean we accept cultural relativism. I do not think Aitken’s views could change due to circumstances. He thinks abortion is killing, but should not be condemned or prohibited. Given the premise that reproduction would certainly lead to extreme overpopulation and war for food and water, I still do not think Aitken would encourage abortion. Persons should not take life, although they should not be condemned if they do. Suffering is part of human existence, and is no surprise. To avoid it, we should avoid even the desire for existence. I disagree. I generally think humans should have the right to reproduce or not. I do agree that abortion often causes suffering for the mother, but when it is chosen freely as the best option, it is permissible before the fetus gains moral status as an actual life. I think a woman’s suffering comes from considering the moral status of a potential life, which has value but not rights. I think the fetus gains rights when it is able to feel pain, but it is not wrong for the mother to have the fetus killed in self defense if her life is at risk. However, I think life on earth ending due to overpopulation means that women ought to have abortions. While I do not think it justifies late abortions, I think it is morally wrong to knowingly continue a pregnancy unless the fetus can already feel pain given these circumstances.
# posted by Lauren @ 11:50 PM
