[dotcoma]

Quote by: bishop how about in cases of incest? and, if yes, how does that differ with an individual using birth control to erase an accident?

Yes, I am not sure how I feel about this. The details of specific situations have not really been focused on by myself enough to give an honest answer. I was trying to give a broad opinion on my abortion stance. Also, I would argue that there are tons of people looking to adopt children, so certainly not all cases for abortion are legitimate.

i happen to see value in the details. i would argue that the zygote is a cluster of cells that has the potential to grow into human life - and i see abortion as an immoral act only if you wait and let it continue to develop (hence why i'm opposed to partial-birth or any mid/late-term abortion).

But we know what that cluster of cells is. Aren't humans above such pointless details? It is a life, and you are destroying it.

the other issue is whether the woman has dominion over her own body. the fetus is not an entity unto itself. it is, for all intensive purposes, a parasite of sorts that depends on its host for survival.

Now this I do see as an issue. I suppose I would consider it more of a responsibility, rather than a choice for the mother. Much like a mother has to sacrifice years of her life to nurture her children out of the womb, she does in my opinion have an obligation to live up to the choice she made when she had sex.

this may be off-topic, but.. while people like to frame the debate about abortion purely around its morality or lack thereof, the reality of it is that utilitarian arguments concerning abortion are equally valid. i repeat, they are just as valid as the moral arguments. the issue imo, is one of choice, where the woman has the right to own her own body and choose between her morals and utilitarian concerns. that is the essence of freedom imo, both spiritual and legal.

But Bishop, utilitarians would argue that you could kill someone if it was in your best interest. Everything cannot be for utility. The child's life is not yours to deny in my opinion. If you do not want it afterwards perhaps you should cross that bridge when it comes.

Quote by: Gorgo Now you've changed from "rights" to "our ethics." Why do you think abortion is a violation of my ethics?

In this society killing is wrong. If you do not share this value I am sorry I included you lol.