Abortion Ethics

Start with the main issues

Begin with the mind map Intro to abortion. It introduces the topic as a controversial issue and includes a pro-choice perspective. Then look at Abortion ethics, a mind map that considers personhood and the status of the body. Together, these resources offer starting points for identifying the questions raised across the page.

You can follow these with the mind map Abortion, which sets out pro-choice and pro-life positions and refers to autonomy, Natural Moral Law and sanctity of life. Compare the terms and arguments in each map as you study.

Explore ethical approaches

The notes Utilitarianism and abortion question B frame a discussion around whether utilitarian ethics is useful for assessing abortion. They ask what outcome is best for as many people as possible. The mind map Abortion - Mackenzie considers a conflict-of-rights approach and responsibility in pregnancy.

For a religious perspective, the mind map on how belief in sanctity of life may influence an ethical approach to abortion considers the meaning of sanctity of life and the role of God. The flashcards Abortion include questions on John Stuart Mill's principle of liberty and a Methodist viewpoint.

Use quizzes and maps together

After studying a map, try Abortion Quiz. Its questions include Kant's moral duty and Christian sources of authority. Another quiz titled Abortion asks about Natural Law and Peter Singer. Use the questions to identify points you want to revisit, then return to the relevant maps or notes.

Place the topic in the unit

Abortion Ethics is a section of Applied Ethics and Technology in Philosophy. The resources on this page offer different ways to examine an applied ethical question: definitions, competing arguments, religious perspectives and questions about moral theories. Choose a map and a quiz to use alongside each other.