Abortion and Infanticide - Essay Example

According to Peter Singer’s argument, human beings have a certain property that makes it morally wrong to kill them. The inherent property possessed by human beings increases their value and arguably overcomes any decision aimed at terminating life. However, infants do not possess the same property. Therefore, the fact that the properties are not evident in infants, Singer deduces that this does not make it morally wrong to kill them.

He conversely considers the fact that some people who may have valued the infant may feel wronged. Such bestowing of value to infants by a section of the society emanates due to diversity in thoughts and beliefs. From the analysis of this argument as presented by Singer, it is clear that it is based on the fact that he is of the opinion that killing an infant is less serious compared to killing a person. Therefore, it is a correct inference that according to Singer, infants are less human and do not possess the same fundamental rights enjoyed by human beings (Lodp, 2013).

Singer also advances the notion that infants who are rejected because they are physically handicapped are better off dead. Critical analysis of this sentiment shows that Singer believes that unwanted infants should not be subjected to the suffering that comes along with being raised in a hostile society or family. Instead of being discriminated against on the basis of their physical appearance, abortion is a better remedy to the problem of infants being physically disabled. Therefore, Singer fundamentally supports his arguments by referring to the contemporary plight of human beings.

From his illustrations on the development of the fetus during the early stages of pregnancy development, Singer tries to prove that the fetus cannot be harmed by not being brought into existence. His assumption is that, during the early stages of development, the fetus is not a fully grown life form or human being that can feel the pain of being killed. The singer has rejected the human rights sanguinity sanity doctrine. He bases his rejection of the doctrine on two main factors. First, he implies that the doctrine has implausible impacts.

Secondly, he argues that just as we reject vile acts for example racism which is biological but not morally relevant, we should also reject the contents of the doctrine because it has greater biological relevancy as compared to moral relevancy. Is Peter Singer Correct about Abortion and Infanticide? Singer’s arguments have a proper argumentative basis to some extent. All his deductions are supported by clear illustrations and examples. However, this does not mean that his sentiments about abortion and infanticide are acceptable.

Abortion is only justifiable in circumstances where medical procedures demand that it be done. Such circumstances of medical justification relate to the rationally dangerous scenarios that may cause the loss of involved life. For example, when complications related to pregnancy pose a threat to both the mother and the infant. Singer’s belief that infants are less human compared to other people is a baseless concept. Humanity is defined by the fact that a person is alive. Infants are live human offspring and must be treated as such regardless of their age.

Killing an infant is equivalent to killing a human being and this makes infanticide a heinous crime against humanity. According to Don Marquis, killing a human being is wrong simply because they are human. The same applies to infants because they are human as well. Therefore, if murder is regarded as a crime, infanticide should be treated in the same manner contrary to Singer’s suggestions. the conclusion from the analysis, Singer is trying to imply that abortion can be considered under normal conditions even in the absence of birth complications.

However, abortion can only be permitted under credible circumstances. Infants are not less human and are in the capacity of enjoying all the rights that are attributable to human beings. Therefore, early fetal development should not be used as a basis for treating infants in an inhumane manner.