Abortion

Kenneth Cauthen

The essay that was formerly on this page was published as a part of a chapter in The Ethics of Belief, 2 vols. (Lima, OH: CSS Publishing Co, 2001). Earlier versions were published in The Christian Century (July 1-8, 1981), 702-4, and in my Process Ethics (Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 1984), 268-74). A brief summary follows.
Abortion is a morally ambiguous issue. The complexities involved are usually not represented adequately by either the pro-life or choice positions, especially in the most fervent and extreme versions of each. Pro-choice advocates use the euphemism of "a woman's right to choose" to cover the ugly fact of killing a fetus, i. e. a potential person. Pro-life adherents equate abortion with murder, thus ignoring the distinction between a potential and an actual person.

I conclude that abortion in the early stages of pregnancy ought to be legal, safe, and rare. The later in the term of pregnancy the more compelling must be the reason to abort. The only good solution to the moral ambiguities involved is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Hence, both sides should engage in a vigorous campaign to reduce unwanted pregnancies to the fullest extent possible by making birth control information and devises (condoms, pills, etc.) available to all, including teenagers. Beyond that we need to find reasonable compromises regarding which abortions are to be permitted and under what circumstances. This issue has torn us apart long enough.

I invite responses, comments, refutations, and suggestions.

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This is one of a series of essays on theological and ethical questions. The rationale for them and a complete list of topics can be found at: Theological Essays

Presently, the following essays are available:

About the Author
A List of my Books
Interpreting the Bible Today
The Authority of the Bible
Using the Bible with Integrity
Natural Law and Moral Relativism
What is Truth -- and Does it Matter?
A Doctrine of God What I Believe Hints Toward a Doctrine of God
Trinity: God, Christ, Spirit
God as Masculine and Feminine
Theodicy: the Problem of Evil
Theodicy: A Heterodox Alternative
The Many Faces of Evil
Christ and Christians
A Critique of Niebuhr's Christ and Culture
The Incompatibility of Christianity and Civilization
Christian Ethics
Process Christian Ethics
The Ethics of Belief
Relativism, Morality, Belief
Capital Punishment
Physician Assisted Suicide
Bioethical Decision-Making
Prostitution
Abortion
Drug Policy
Homosexuality
Theology and Ecology
Religion and Politics
Science and Theology
Church and State
A Short Biographical Sketch

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Last update: Monday, June 18, 2001, 10:40 AM