ETHC 445 Week 5 Course Project Milestone: Annotated Bibliography

Name

Chamberlain University

ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Abortion is commonly defined as a method to terminate an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Over the years, this procedure has remained a contentious topic, sparking debate among various groups. Pro-abortion advocates argue for reproductive rights, while anti-abortion groups actively protest, often outside clinics such as Planned Parenthood. A landmark case in this ongoing debate is Roe v. Wade, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that a human fetus does not have legal protections, thereby making abortion legal (Ruggiero, 1992). Recently, the topic has gained renewed attention as several states have enacted laws making abortion illegal, with some proposing penalties, including jail time for women who experience miscarriages, even when unintentional. Consequently, many women are resorting to unsafe methods to obtain abortions, resulting in increased health risks and fatalities.

A striking aspect of this issue is that the push for stricter abortion laws often comes from men, individuals who do not possess reproductive organs. Some lawmakers are even eliminating exceptions for abortions in cases of incest or rape, mandating that women must carry such pregnancies to term. This notion raises ethical concerns about bodily autonomy, as it reflects a broader issue of women’s rights and the control they have over their own bodies. The shift in perspective regarding abortion raises questions about morality, as evidenced by differing opinions on its ethical implications. As noted by Ruggiero (1992), “On the other hand, abortion used to be moral but now it is immoral.” This contradiction is underscored by the opposing view that if an action was once deemed acceptable, it should remain so if it is not inherently wrong.

Thesis

This paper aims to elucidate the paradox surrounding abortion, advocating for its continued legality as a choice for women, emphasizing that men should not influence decisions about women’s bodies, and highlighting the negative consequences of criminalizing abortion.

Annotations

Author	Year	Summary
Nuccetelli, S.	2017	This article discusses the ethics of aborting fetuses diagnosed with disabilities. Advocates argue that bringing a child with severe defects into the world is detrimental to all involved, labeling it immoral (Nuccetelli, p. 448).
Manninen, B. A.	2015	Manninen addresses concerns regarding abortion due to potential disabilities. While supportive of a woman’s right to choose, she believes the rationale for aborting disabled fetuses may imply that their lives are less valuable.
McKinney, C.	2016	McKinney critiques selective abortion as a moral failing, arguing that it perpetuates stigma surrounding disabled individuals. She contends that such stigma may hinder women from thoughtfully considering their decision to raise a child with disabilities.
Crossley, M.	2015	Crossley encourages parents to reflect on their values and consider the potential for positive relationships with disabled children before deciding on abortion. She asserts that having a disabled child can foster deeper parent-child connections.
Amnesty International	2019	This article outlines the current landscape of abortion laws in the U.S., highlighting that restrictive laws exacerbate risks for women. The report notes that some states impose comprehensive bans, limiting access even in cases of rape or incest.

References

Amnesty International. (2019, June 11). 10 things you need to know about abortion laws in the US. Retrieved November 17, 2019, from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/06/abortion-laws-in-the-us10-things-you-need-to-know/

Crossley, M. (2015, August 1). Normalizing disability in families. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/jlme.12236

Manninen, B. A. (2015). The replaceable fetus: A reflection on abortion and disability. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3239/3831

McKinney, C. (2016). Selective abortion as moral failure? Revaluation of the feminist case for reproductive rights in a disability context. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3885/4213

ETHC 445 Week 5 Course Project Milestone: Annotated Bibliography

Nuccetelli, S. (2017, March 28). Abortion for fetal defects: Two current arguments. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11019-017-9765-2

Ruggiero, V. (1992). Roe v. Wade: A review of the legal implications. Journal of Health Law, 25(2), 345-360.