Putting Judith Jarvis Thomson's argument to the test

Blog entry # 2: Elsie barthelemy

Putting Judith Jarvis Thomson’s argument to the test
________________________________________________________________




Judith Jarvis Thomson’s analogy regarding a pregnant woman’s right to unhook herself from a fetus later amended by Jane Thomas , I feel places the woman as the sole decision maker .I feel that all parties involved should equally take part in the decision making when such a drastic outcome such as “ ABORTION” is entertained.

A woman cannot conceive alone. So far, science has yet made this leap. Conception thus far is accomplished by two parties whether each one play either an active or passive role toward such an accomplishment. Even in the instance where the natural process of conceiving by sexual intercourse is bypassed to be replaced by unison of a donor egg and sperm in a Petri dish. One thing cannot be changed that is the creation of the origin of such a conception that is the starting ingredients: sperm and egg. Therefore both parties supplying the ingredients should have equal right to its product unless one decides to give up this right.

So far the argument made by both Judith J Thomson and Jane Thomas only supports the woman as the sole decision maker. The male donor/ parent must be taken into account as well. I do understand that a woman carries the unequal burden of pregnancy for 9 months in comparison to the male counterpart. This should not be the sole aspect taken into account when arguing such a controversial subject.

One can further argue that a man donating his sperm is doing so in the hope of accomplishing procreation even when the act is done in an immoral and illegal matter. Therefore shouldn ’t he be given his fair share of the right to choose to give up his right of fatherhood?

Now as far as the right of the embryo/ fetus, I still have some reservation . If one agrees with Joseph Fletcher’s 15 propositions of personhood , it would then be clear and simple to decide that indeed the product of conception at its earliest stage is untitled to any rights whatsoever . However, there is still a grey area in this issue of when to consider a person a person. The advent of ART’s definitely render this subject more and more complex…

So what is the final word then? I guess for a while , this will remain “THE” controversial subject for debate. I don’t believe we have yet seen the end of the ambivalence and confusion which exist when one is considering what the final true ethical, moral and legal decision regarding “ ABORTION” should really be. I myself am no exception to the rule………….