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#STRask

Is the Principle of Double Effect Legitimate When It Comes to Abortion?

Oct 24, 2024
The podcast dives into the ethically charged principle of double effect, questioning its legitimacy in abortion contexts, especially when a mother's life is at stake. It tackles whether pregnant women should be forced to choose between their lives and their babies'. The discussion also scrutinizes legal complexities surrounding non-viable pregnancies and how pro-life policies can hinder medical care. Finally, it debates the strategic choice of remaining in pro-choice areas to inspire change versus relocating to pro-life regions, highlighting personal circumstances in decision-making.
27:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The principle of double effect suggests that actions leading to the unborn's death may be morally acceptable if aimed at saving the mother’s life.
  • Lawmakers should allow women the autonomy to make informed choices regarding their health and consider the complexities of pregnancy complications.

Deep dives

Understanding the Principle of Double Effect

The principle of double effect is an important ethical framework that addresses moral dilemmas where an action may lead to both positive and negative outcomes. It holds that an action can be morally permissible if the intention is to achieve a good outcome while accepting that a negative consequence is an unavoidable secondary effect. This principle is often applied in situations concerning abortion where a mother's life is at risk; if the intention is to save the mother, and the death of the unborn is a foreseen but unintended consequence, it may be deemed morally acceptable. Historical examples, such as the D-Day invasion, illustrate this principle, showing that the intention behind an action and the treatment of those affected must be considered when evaluating the moral implications.

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