A Summary of “A Defense of Abortion” by Judith Jarvis Thomson

A Summary of “A Defense of Abortion” by Judith Jarvis Thomson

 The author urges that it is difficult to define the point at which a fetus becomes a human being along the conception continuum. However, a fetus is a human being before conception. Although the fetus is a human being at conception, nonetheless, the mother has right of what happens to her body. Thus, abortion is necessary if the pregnancy is a product of rape, or the continuity of the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life.  Denying a woman abortion under the two circumstances amounts to giving the fetus more rights to life, at the expense of the woman; this negates the doctrine sanctity of life.

Denying a woman abortion to protect the life of the fetus while risking her life is the application of the double standard.  It is a double tragedy to let a woman lose her life due to pregnancy-related complications. Mainly, this is  because the fetus will likely lose a life too. The logical thing to do is allow abortion, and at least save one life. Having the right to life does not guarantee the use of someone else life. Hence woman has the right to determine whether the fetus should continue using her body for survival.

Sustenance of pregnancy requires vast sacrifices on the part of the woman. Even though abortion is urged to be an unjust denial of another person’s right to life, no one should be forced to make unreasonably considerable sacrifices to make another person enjoy life.  It is unfair to expect someone to conform to the social expectation of right deeds, which conflict with personal interest and right to life, and liberty to use of one’s body. Overall, it is necessary to allow abortion, not for the sake of convenience, but on a matter of principle to preserve the life and the general body and mental wellbeing of the person carrying the pregnancy.