The first time I heard the violinist argument, I was getting on the onramp of the 405 freeway in Southern California. I remember it so well because I was stunned by the argument. It seemed to make so much sense. Now I know the answer to my own question. These arguments are dangerous because some think the illustrations offered are actually good parallels to pregnancy, that being hooked up to a violinist who is a stranger, or fighting off the aggressive blows of an attacker or kidnapper or rapist, are all parallel to pregnancy.
Some people buy that.
There are so many things wrong with this argument, I'm not sure where to begin. It claims there's a parallel between these circumstances and pregnancy, which means a mother has no more moral obligation to her unborn child than she has to strangers. People think this is compelling, persuasive, truthful. Ladies and gentlemen, a baby who is developing in the womb belongs there. Well, if McDonagh's and Thompson's arguments work, then those parents should be released from jail.