Contents Foreword 11 Introduction 14 Chapter 1: Is Abortion Immoral? Deciding Abortion: An Overview 19 Daniel Oliver If we cannot agree if the fetus is a person or not, then what should guide our opinions about abortion? Yes: Abortion Is Immoral Selective Abortion Is Immoral 25 Patricia E. Bauer People who want perfect babies often choose to abort a disabled child. It Is Immoral to Treat Fetuses as Property 29 Carl Estabrook It is degrading for women to marginalize, and dispose of, their children as they see fit. No: Abortion Is Not Immoral Abortion Cannot Be Regarded as Immoral 34 Richard C. Carrier There are no universal moral truths; therefore, abortion cannot be labeled as immoral. Religion Does Not Condemn Abortion 43 Freedom from Religion Foundation Numerous religious organizations support abortion. Chapter 2: Should Abortion Rights Be Protected or Restricted? Chapter Preface 51 Religious Groups Aim to Eliminate 54 Women s Rights Austin Cline
Abortion rights need to be strengthened to counteract groups that advocate forced counseling, waiting periods, restrictions, and intimidation. Legal Threats Aim to Undermine 58 Abortion Rights Karen O Connor Legal challenges and politicians threaten abortion rights, thereby jeopardizing women s health, personal liberty, and social and economic well-being. Most Americans Favor Restrictions 68 on Abortions U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Abortions should be limited to early pregnancies, and cases where rape, incest, or endangerment to the mother s life exists. Abortion Is a Social Failure 78 Misty Mealey Unlimited access to abortions has resulted in a weakened society, along with physical and emotional health complications for women. Chapter 3: Should Women Have Greater Access to Abortion? Chapter Preface 83 Yes: Women Should Have Greater Access to Abortion Women Need Greater Access to Abortion 85 Michelle Goldberg It is almost impossible to find abortion services in 90of U.S. counties. Only the wealthy can afford out-of-state travel for abortions. Politicians Threaten Access to Abortions 91 Anonymous One senator advocates the death penalty for abortion doctors; others passed a law prohibiting doctors from even discussing abortion with their patients. Late-Term Abortions Should Not Be Banned 99 Jason Abaluck
The Partial-Birth Abortion Bill violates women s abortion rights and disregards women s best interests. No: Women Should Not Have Greater Access to Abortion We Should Strive to Reduce the Number 106 of Abortions Jessica Arons and Shira Saperstein Social changes that make abortions unnecessary is a positive approach to preventing unwanted pregnancies. Birth Control Methods Are Another Form of 110 Abortion That Needs to Be Eliminated Life and Liberty Ministries Women unwittingly use contraception devices that take the life of their unborn child. Partial-Birth Abortions Should Be Banned 115 Rich Deem This procedure is closer to infanticide than abortion, and it places the mother at high risk for death. Chapter 4: Should Protesters Target Abortion Clinics and Providers? Chapter Preface 119 Yes: Protesters Should Target Abortion Clinics and Providers The Supreme Court Rules in 121 Favor of Protestors Michelle Chen After a 20-year legal battle, pro-lifers are permitted to demonstrate without fear of extortion or racketeering charges. Killing Abortion Providers Is 126 Justifiable Homicide Chuck Spingola Thousands of babies could be saved if abortion doctors did not exist.
No: Protesters Should Not Target Abortion Clinics and Providers Protesters Harass Patients and Invade Their Privacy Center for Reproductive Rights Protesters create an atmosphere of hostility and violence for patients and clinic employees. Abortion Providers Should Not Have to Work with Fear, Threats, and Violence Sarah Todd Protesters are vigilantes who are determined to use violence against those who assist women in exercising their constitutional right to reproductive freedom. 132 136 Chapter 5: Should Aborted Fetuses Be Used for Medical Research? Chapter Preface 145 Yes: Aborted Fetuses Should Be Used for Medical Research Stem Cell Research Plays a Critical Role 147 in Medicine Julie Hutto Compassion and respect for life mandate that we pursue this scientific endeavor. Therapeutic Cloning Is Not a Form 154 of Abortion Dena S. Davis Fear and ignorance interfere with medical progress and should not be relevant to research. No: Aborted Fetuses Should Not Be Used for Medical Research Fetal Research Devalues Human Dignity 159 Thomas A. Shannon Life begins at conception; it cannot be destroyed in the pursuit of other values.
New Scientific Breakthroughs Make Fetal 170 Research Obsolete Kathryn Jean Lopez and Robert P. George New technologies and emerging alternatives make fetal stem cell research obsolete. Organizations to Contact 177 Bibliography 184 Index 190