The Ethics of Pregnancy, Abortion and Childbirth: Exploring Moral Choices in Childbearing

by Helen Watt

The Ethics of Pregnancy, Abortion and Childbirth addresses the unique moral questions raised by pregnancy and its intimate bodily nature. From assisted reproduction to abortion and ‘vital conflict’ resolution to more everyday concerns of the pregnant woman, this book argues for pregnancy as a close human relationship with the woman as guardian or custodian. Four approaches to pregnancy are ‘uni-personal’, ‘neighborly’, ‘maternal’ and ‘spousal’. The author challenges not only the view that there is only one moral subject to consider in pregnancy, but also the idea that the location of the fetus lacks all inherent, unique significance. It is argued that the pregnant woman is not a mere ‘neighbor’ or helpful stranger to the fetus but is rather already in a real familial relationship bringing real familial rights and obligations. If the status of the fetus is conclusive for at least some moral questions raised by pregnancy, so too are facts about its bodily relationship with, and presence in, the woman who supports it. This lucid, accessible and original book explores fundamental ethical issues in a rich and often neglected area of philosophy in ways of interest also to those from other disciplines.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2016

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written and argued book. However, it's about half the length when you take into account the end notes at the end of each chapter. This makes it a very costly book for its actual size.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book overall. A clear single-sided approach taken, however, I personally don't believe the opposing side could be considered as a moral side to the issue at hand. The book certainly gives an overview of the ethical aspects of pregnancy (mostly with abortion as the target).

It is only a short book and easy to read.