Question 1

Patrick Lee believes that a complete human organism is a person.

Accepted Answer

Patrick Lee is known for his position in the pro-life movement which holds that personhood begins at conception and thus, a complete human organism (embryo/fetus) is a person.

Question 2

The &#34;Partial-Birth Abortion&#34; controversy is fueled by misinformation.

Accepted Answer

The controversy surrounding "Partial-Birth Abortion" is largely fueled by misinformation and political manipulation. The procedure, which is only used in rare cases for medical necessity, has been mischaracterized and exaggerated for political purposes. Many opponents of the procedure have used misleading language and imagery to demonize it, leading to a highly politicized and divisive debate. However, medical professionals and experts agree that the procedure should remain a legal option when necessary to protect the health of the mother.

Question 3

The only barrier to a consensus on when an embryo is a person is a lack of scientific knowledge about when this change takes place.

Accepted Answer

The question of when an embryo is considered a person is not solely a matter of scientific knowledge but also involves philosophical, ethical, and religious considerations that vary widely among different cultures and individuals.

Question 4

Mary Ann Warren argues that there is a difference between being a genetic human and a moral human.

Accepted Answer

Mary Ann Warren argues that being a genetic human (having human DNA) does not necessarily make one a moral person, as moral rights and responsibilities depend on factors such as rationality, self-awareness, and the ability to value one's own existence.

Question 5

Some opponents of abortion hold that anyone taking Plan B drugs is always engaged in an active moral wrong.

Accepted Answer

This is a matter of personal belief and opinion, and there is no universally agreed-upon answer. Some opponents of abortion may view taking Plan B drugs as a form of abortion and therefore believe it is morally wrong. However, others may believe that taking Plan B is a responsible choice and does not constitute a moral wrong. Additionally, some people may not have a strong opinion either way.

Question 6

Judith Jarvis Thomson argues that a fetus cannot be given the moral status of a person and therefore abortion is permissible.

Accepted Answer

Judith Jarvis Thomson does not argue that a fetus cannot be given the moral status of a person. Instead, she argues that even if the fetus has the moral status of a person, abortion can still be permissible under certain circumstances, such as in her famous violinist analogy.

Question 7

Judith Jarvis Thomson's violinist case is analogous to pregnancy with voluntary intercourse absent contraception.

Accepted Answer

Thomson's violinist case is designed to be analogous to pregnancy resulting from involuntary intercourse (e.g., rape), not voluntary intercourse absent contraception. It is used to argue that even if the fetus has a right to life, that does not automatically make abortion impermissible.

Question 8

According to the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, states cannot impose any regulation on abortions.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision established a woman's right to choose an abortion, but also recognized that states have an interest in protecting the health of the mother and the potential life of the fetus. As a result, states can regulate the procedure in certain ways, such as requiring informed consent or setting limits on late-term abortions. However, these regulations cannot place an undue burden on a woman's right to obtain an abortion.

Question 9

Some abortion activists hold that a fertilized ovum has full moral personhood status.

Accepted Answer

Some abortion activists subscribe to the view that personhood status begins at fertilization, and therefore believe that a fertilized ovum has full moral personhood. This belief is often tied to religious or philosophical beliefs about the sanctity of life. However, not all abortion activists hold this view, and the question of when personhood begins is a highly debated topic.

Question 10

After the Court's Roe v. Wade decision, the issue of abortion was settled and there have been no further moral or legal challenges to the status of a woman's right to have an abortion.

Accepted Answer

The issue of abortion has continued to be a highly debated and controversial topic, with ongoing legal and moral challenges to the status of a woman's right to have an abortion.

Question 11

John T. Noonan argues that we can judge abortion morally wrong only under Christian tenets and as such we should not be able to impose restrictions on abortions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of John T. Noonan argues that we can...

Question 12

Between 50% and 80% of fertilized human ova fail to implant in the uterine lining.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Between 50% and 80% of fertilized human...

Question 13

Patrick Lee believes that human beings are only instrumentally valuable.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Patrick Lee believes that human beings are...

Question 14

Judith Jarvis Thomson argues that abortion should always be permissible under any and all circumstances.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Judith Jarvis Thomson argues that abortion should...

Question 15

Mary Ann Warren argues that women should have an unrestricted legal right to an abortion.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mary Ann Warren argues that women should...

Deck 5: Abortion