Ethics and Politics of Induced Abortion and the Sanctity of Human Life

Abstract

This research work argues that induced abortion as a means of birth control is morally unacceptable. Although, the question of abortion is being considered as a means of birth control but this position not only has generated much controversy from antiquity to the postmodern era, it has also politicized many democratic societies. Proponents of induced abortion couch it in terms of gender equality and human right of women to choose or what to do in matters that their body. This too has presented us with political and ethical quandary. The problematic as conceptualized in the title is embedded in moral questions implied in these questions, among others, regarding the morality of induced abortion and the politicization of the ethical question. What makes one’s choice right or wrong? Is it one’s choice that makes an act right? Isn’t it first, that an act is judged right according to certain ethical norms that makes the action morally justified? Thus, some ethicists and pro-abortion advocates argue first, that the fetus is mere potency in the act of becoming human, and can be terminated at no moral consequence; secondly, that a woman has the right terminate the fetus as means of birth control. The researchers adopted the qualitative research design and used the expository, critical and analytic methods in the study to bring to the fore the crux of the matter. Major ethical theories are explored, critical questions raised and moral implications of exponents’ views exposed. The researchers came up with the conclusion that though human life is inviolable, even that of the unborn child. However, applying the Catholic Church’s moral teaching on the principle of double effect, the work avers that there could be extenuating circumstances, when induced abortion can be indirectly willed, such as in the case of treatment of a cancerous uterus, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Contrarily, it is the position of the researchers that politicizing abortion on the ground of the wellbeing of the couple, the human right of the pregnant woman to choose, for political capitals, or for eugenics reasons is intrinsically evil and thus acceptable. Politicizing induced abortion as a means of birth control has far reaching implications on ethics and the dignity of life. The paper strongly recommends that concerted efforts be put in place for educating married couples on the ethical implications of human sexuality. In this direction those in government should synergize with the Catholic Church’s magisterium on this issue and enact laws that protect the rights of the unborn child.