Understanding Abortion

From Mixed Feelings to Rational Thought

By (author) Stephen D. Schwarz With Kiki Latimer

Publication date:

28 December 2011

Length of book:

228 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9780739167700

Books on abortion (other than collections of readings) typically express and defend a particular position. This book gives both sides, as evenly and objectively as possible; it gets to the heart of each position, the core idea which animates it. It then leaves the reader to make up his or her own mind. It is an introduction to the issue, not only to the basic positions on the issue. Despite being brief, it contains careful analyses and discussions of many topics often not found at all in other works. The treatment is thorough and detailed, but succinct. Understanding Abortion: From Mixed Feelings to Rational Thought is aimed at all people who want a better understanding of what the two sides on this issue are really saying, and what reasons they give for their position. Many people assume that this issue is an interminable one, with “no clear answers”; a purely emotional debate that cannot be addressed by the use of reasoned arguments. The book shows that this is not the case.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Part I. The Pro-Choice Moral Position
Chapter 2: The Feminist Quality of Life Argument
Chapter 3: The General Quality of Life Argument
Chapter 4: The Not-a-Person Argument
Chapter 5: the No-Duty-to-Sustain Argument
Part II. The Pro-Life Moral Position
Chapter 6: The Reality of the Child in the Womb
Chapter 7: Abortion Means Killing this Child
Chapter 8: Abortion Causes Pain to the Child
Chapter 9: The Dignity of the Human Person
Part III. Further Moral Considerations
Chapter 10: Some Pro-Choice Replies to Pro-Life Claims
Chapter 11: When does a Person Begin to Exist?
Chapter 12: Other Approaches
Chapter 13: What Should We Do if We are in Doubt?
Part IV. The Legal Question
Chapter 14: The Legal Status: Pro-Choice and Pro-Life
Chapter 15: The Role of Government
Chapter 16: Other Significant Legal Aspects
Chapter 17: The Hard Cases: Rape, Life of the Woman, Severe Deformities
Part V. Concluding Topics
Chapter 18: Safety Issues
Chapter 19: Going Beyond Abortion: The Unity Way
Chapter 20: Ultimate Issues
About the Authors

This self-described 'fair and balanced' philosophical work by Schwarz (emer., Univ. of Rhode Island) presents the major classic moral arguments on abortion in hopes that 'each person will arrive at his own position.' Addressing pro-choice and pro-life rights arguments without appeal to religion, the book pits the pro-choice 'not-a-person' argument against the pro-life claim that being a person is different from functioning as a person. The author discusses fetal pain, and endorses 'the unity way' that emphasizes adoption and the harm that abortion does to women. ....Clearly presented, accessible, and useful for summarizing standard accounts of pro-life and pro-choice positions.... Summing Up: Recommended.