First I have to ask, are you male or female?aaalexandros wrote:Since this is a philosophy forum, one has to ask, is abortion murder?
If it is not, then we have to assume that human life doesn't start or isn't 'important' at the moment when the ovary meets the sperm, but some time later. How long is that time? What defines the duration? Is it a matter of the human life form being able to take care of itself? If that is the case then someone should be allowed to kill an infant.
If the deciding factor is the level of 'sophistication' of a life form, then it is rather arbitrary i guess, but again that should give us the right to kill all 'lower' forms of life without punishment. Of course, we are doing so, without remorse, because we eat many of them(!). But that doesn't apply for our beloved dogs,cats and horses..(in most places that is)
If the deciding factor is if the embryo is aware enough for the act of abortion to be considered murder, then we should be allowed to kill someone when he/she is asleep.
If the deciding factor is the 'prospects of a happy life', in a specific situation, then the implications of being allowed to take a human life just because, he/she won't achieve happiness(according to one's standards) is catastrophic..
If the reason abortion is legal is because it is 'convenient' for us to keep our lustful lifestyles instead of curtailing them(which i do not support), then we should just admit it.
I am not certain on this topic, that's why i am posting this. I need a little philosophical insight, as to why abortion is not murder. I am fully aware that it will keep happening, i just need some feedback..
If you are a female you have every right to ask, have an opinion, and expect other females and law makers to seriously consider your resolve, as it could directly pertain to your body.
If you are male on the other hand, you have a right to ask and have an opinion, but not to necessarily expect females or law makers to seriously consider your resolve, as it directly pertains to the female body and not yours.
You see, the thing is, there are two beings to consider; the welfare of the mother and that of the baby. Historically pro-lifers only consider the baby, but the baby is feeding off the mothers body and her life could be at risk.
I started out as an antiabortionist, but I now see that the only way it should be, in all fairness, is antiabortion-pro choice, such that one can try and argue for the babies life, but understand and respect the mothers decision. Also I for one believe that one must make a decision ASAP, and that if it's to be done, it should be done while it's a fetus, or earlier if it ever becomes possible.
I see this as extremely volatile, as actually I don't want to be responsible for any life or death decisions. I'm a male.