Book Review of Creation and Abortion: A Study in Moral and Legal Philosophy

Abstract

Based on a non-consequentialist ethical theory, this book critically examines the prevalent view that if a fetus has the moral standing of a person, it has a right to life and abortion is impermissible. Most discussion of abortion has assumed that this view is correct, and so has focused onthe question of the personhood of the fetus. Kamm begins by considering in detail the permissibility of killing in non-abortion cases which are similar to abortion cases. She goes on to consider the case for the permissibility of abortion in many types of pregnancies, including ones resulting fromrape, vo. Introduction -- May we kill in nonabortion cases? -- Applying the argument to specific nonabortion cases -- Variations and alternatives -- May we kill in abortion cases? -- Creating responsibly -- Informed consent, responsibilites in pregnancy, and external means of gestation.