Fathers and Abortion
The Journal of Medicine & Philosophy (Forthcoming)
21 Pages Posted: 20 Sep 2011 Last revised: 11 Jul 2012
Date Written: September 20, 2011
Abstract
I argue that it is possible for prospective mothers to wrong prospective fathers by bearing their child; and that lifting paternal liability for child support does not correct the wrong inflicted to fathers. It is therefore sometimes wrong for prospective mothers to bear a child, or so I argue here. I show that my argument for considering the legitimate interests of prospective fathers is not a unique exception to an obvious right to procreate. It is, rather, part of a growing consensus that procreation can be morally problematic and that generally talking of rights in this context might not be warranted. Finally, I argue that giving up on a right to procreate does not imply nor suggest giving up on women’s absolute right to abort, which I defend.
Keywords: fathers' rights, abortion, applied ethics, bioethics, sexual ethics, reproductive ethics
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