Abortion - An Ethical Dilemma - Essay Example

Every child in the world has a right to live whether they are born out of wedlock or love. Considered as the little angels, they are blessings from above. Every person, every child has to experience life's pleasures, may it be happy or sad. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child discussed the human rights framework. Although each and everyone came from different race, families and country, each has their own right to live in the community. Human rights as defined by UN, are those rights which are essential to human beings such as access to basic services which makes the person survive in his own battle and be developed as a person. Abortion has been a dilemma globally. It is like a question of faith. How the values of a person was molded and how the community and the laws binding it influenced him to be critical in deciding to be good and morally upright. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism came from a Latin word utilis which means useful (Fox, 2006). It was initially proposed by Jeremy Bentham. He identified that pain and pleasures are the basic and only morals in the world. He believes that pleasure and pain were masters that govern men (Mill, 1863). Fox's (2006) notes throroughly explained that pain and pleasure are norms that determine the moral value of any action. With this, he derived the rule of utility and but later thought that it is of different ideas, he then referred to it as the principle of great happiness. Bentham further assumes that all pleasures are the same; they only differ in quantity, how big the intensity is (Fox, 2006). In this theory, Bentham examined what is right and what is good. This type of theory is consequentialism (Johnson, 2006) where it explains that right actions are an action that produces consequences. It is concerned on the good it will bring and not on the bad. In terms of laws and policies, it supports rules that cannot do harm to the population. Great happiness is always the rule with this theory. Happiness is the ultimate good all creatures are seeking. This theory is strongly based on the English philosophical tradition of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill where it states that every action has the same consequences it can get Mill, (1863). Utilitarianism is more on telling the truth and keeping promises. It is more on the rules that can make a person good in any way. Based on the book written by John Stuart Mill (1863), physical pleasure is different with cultural, intellectual, and spiritual pleasures. He explained that utilitarianism is more on pleasure-seeking since it dealt with pleasure or happiness. Utilitarianism also explains that the morality of an action will not be based on how many people made happier but the quantity of happiness produced (Fox, 2006). Theory has founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action (Hozien, 1999). In a report done by Hozien (1999), the choice that is to be made should make good or benefit the the mankind and this is perceived to be ethically correct. The utilitarian can make comparisons on how to better deliver the result and make the consequences beneficial for everybody. This point system according to Hozien (1999) and Bentham gives a logical argument foe every decision made and enable the person to use it whether it can satisfy the needs of everyone. Two types of utilitarianism have been identified: act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism (Mill, 1863). Act utilitarianism is the same with the definition by utilitarianism where it predicts the consequences of action. It performs the act that benefits each and everyone in the society regardless of norms and culture, and laws. On the other hand, rule utilitarianism is concerned with justice and fairness but also benefits mankind. In view of abortion as an issue using utilitarian view, it is seen that abortion can be a choice for every woman who are conceiving a child. As Alice Paul (1923) has viewed abortion, she defined it "as the ultimate exploitation of women." From her presentations, it was stated that the choices of women is defending their rights what is truly should be, especially their right in carrying the unborn children or not. Feminists argue that women have the control of their bodies, they are the one who should decide what is good or right for them (Stanton, 2006). Abortion has long been an issue in most parts of the world. Over the years, it was considered as one of immorality one person could do in his lifetime. Abortion is said to be killing the sign of life conceived by the woman. Any type is done in order to induce the fetus out of the mother's womb. There are many factors affecting why many of the women are into abortion rather than deciding to continue the pregnancy. One, it is borne out of wedlock, the parents wouldn't approve, the mother is too young and she still finishing school, they cannot sustain financially so two kids in the family might be enough, and among others which makes abortion a big issue. Utilitarian viewed that the increase in number of kids in the family would mean increase in number of happiness inside the home. But when the family experiences hardships in life due to the big family, they go for the best option. Whether to kill or not to kill the fetus inside the womb of the mother is always the question on morality. Fetuses are innocent beings although they are not yet fully developed but they already have a life. Some theorists suggest that it is okay to kill it before it is too late, before it can be fully developed into a person. Once it is conceived in the womb, it is already alive so the idea of killing it is immoral on the side of the utilitarianisms. Killing the fetus before it can be developed into a person is like cutting their right to be happy. In a utilitarianist view, the best option is to have the child aborted rather than making him suffer for the rest of his life (McGrew, 2004). According to the Principle of great happiness, the good is maximized. Whatever circumstances that brings about the most good, or the best consequences maybe, other than this option is not right. The principle is the crucial end when others actions are considered and what will it do well for the other person. This principle is solely devoted for enjoyments, free of pain, based on quality and quantity. The standard of morality for this principle are the rules for human conduct and values, what gives them pleasure and what makes them secure as much as possible. This does not desolate the animals and the nature around it, it involves everything that is created (Mill, 1863). Utilitarian theories are said to be promote least evil. Whenever there is an option that good is maximized, then this should be the option done by the people (Popper, 1945). According to the UN's Convention Rights of a Child, a child has the right to live harmoniously and be provided with basic standards in the society. The debate here is that, in abortion, it is taking away the life of the child even if it is still a fetus in the woman's womb. This is not right, isn't it But as the principle of utilitarianism implies, the child should be killed before it will suffer in his entire life because of strife and poverty. Deontology On the other hand, deontology is defined as the Ethical theory concerned with duties and rights (Wikepedia, 2006). It is viewed as the pro-life (Hozien, 1999) It came from a Greek work Deon meaning obligation or duty. Deontology is more concerned with how people accomplished their goal rather than what they accomplished (Kant, 1964). Character and not the effects is what stressed in deontological theories. The theory was developed by a German philosopher who believed that people who act naturally and free are morally right. Immanuel Kant who wrote the book on Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, stated that every individual is of value and must be treated accordingly. Every human beings born is different from the other. He formulated categorical imperatives that are significant in promoting human freedom and rationality, and these are the following: (a) act according to your will, (b) act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether individual or group, not only a s a means but also as an end; (c) act as though you were through your maxim a law-making member of a kingdom of ends. Individual person has always the right whatever he thinks is right. May it be based on the rules and laws that are part of the world or may it be based on his own rules. The theory explains that a person has the right to act according to what his orientations are, what his characteristics are, and what is his outlook in life are. In deontology, individuals are given the constraints, what should be done to get the best result, but are also given the options, if this will do any good to everyone around him. Pregnant women are given the constraints whether to abort the baby they are having. Parents, especially the mother, is faced with moral issues that can create doubts in her mind-whether or not to give the child a chance in this world to live. Killing a child, although this is still a fetus, is not permissible by the law, although some argues that fetuses do not have life yet, but the question on the abortionism makes the critical thinkers more aware with the society's norms and values. In deontology theory, abortion is viewed. Even the life that is still developing in one's womb has the right to live. From the moment it was detected that there is a fetus inside the womb of the mother, the right to be born and live life to the fullest should be done for each and every pregnant mothers. Although they are given the choice on what to do, the choice should be in accordance with laws and norms. Deontological theory is often viewed as conservatives' believe. Fetuses are human beings too. They have the right to live as what stated in UN's Convention Rights of the Child (1945), every child has the right to live, so , each and every human being should promote and respect each other's rights to live in peace and harmony. On deontological view, legalization of abortion is more favored rather than promoting abortion in every state. This legalization will reduce aborted babies and will have the right to live and build their own future in the society. Every child has the right to survive, whether they will encounter suffrage and poverty in the future, the deontologist view that it is morally right that they should be born in this world. Conclusion Different theories have been discussed in the previous paragraphs. The issue on whether to do the thing or not will depend on the education which will be posited to each and every member of the society. Choices and otions are presented in every way. The issue on abortion is difficult to resolve but the presented information will anyhow answer some of the question in everyone's minds. As what Hozien said (1999) "it is a classic case of ethical clash of opinions. The question on whether the fetus is a human being once it is detected or not remains to be a question on science and medical aspect. Abortion is a fragile issue that needs to be handled carefully. Every woman has the choice, to be pregnant, to have a baby, and have this baby be born. Each and every one has the potential to be great in the future. So ending the life of a pre-born child might be ending the life of a future president for that matter. The government should study this matter. It is a big responsibility not only on the mother's side but also on the people around them. Whether or not to legalize abortion is still on the verge of questioning. It is not a simple issue which can be changed overnight. It should be studied further. Reference List Bentham, J 1748-1832, "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation", viewed on 24 November 2006, http://www.utilitarianism.com/bentham.htm Fox, J J, 2004, "Utilitarianism," Transcribed by Tomas Hancil and Rick McCarty, viewed on 24 November 2006, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15241c.htm Gargaro, C 1999, "The Feminist Case Against Abortion", viewed on 26 November 2006, http://www.rightgrrl.com/carolyn/abortioncrime.html Hozien, M 1999, Abortion and Personal Freedom: Between Pro-Choice and Infanticide," viewed on 25 November 2006, http://www.muslimphilosophy.com/mih/ethics/e2.htm Mill, J S, eBooks@Adelaide 2004, "Utilitarianism," viewed on 25 November 2006, http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/m/mill/john_stuart/m645u/ McGrew, B 2004, "Utilitarianism and abortion", 29 June, viewed 24 November 2006, http://www.cardinalcollective.com/blog/archives/2004/06/001017.html) McKinley, BE 1995-2005, "Why abortion is moral," viewed on 25 November 2006, http://www.elroy.net/ehr/abortionanswers.html Popper, K R 1945, "The Open Society and its Enemies," viewed on 25 November 2006, http://www.routledge.com/popper/works/open_society.html Rainbow, C 2002, "Descriptions of Ethical Theories and Principles," viewed on 25 November 2006, http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/kabernd/indep/carainbow/Theories.htm "The Feminist Case Against Abortion,"Elizabeth Cady Stanton Lectures, , viewed on 25 November 2006, http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9069429 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, viewed on 24 November 2006, http://www.unicef.org/crc/ Why 'Psychological Issues' matter, http://www.prochoiceforum.org.uk/psy_why_matters.asp, Adapted from: Russo, N.F., and Beckman, L.B (Spring 2002). 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