Assume that chickens are not self-aware. Assume that free-range chickens have lives worth living. Assume, finally, that for economic reasons we could not rear the birds if we did not eat them. Killing an innocent human being is prima facie wrong. A fetus is an innocent human being.
Abortion is the killing of a fetus.
Therefore, abortion is prima facie wrong. Thomson argues that even if the fetus is a person with a right to life from the moment of conception it is still permissible for a women who is pregnant due to rape to have an abortion. Explain her argument. Back to PHIL 4's Home Page . Go to Doug's Home Page .