A Utilitarian Approach to Abortion

When do Humans become Human? A Utilitarian Approach to Abortion The topic of abortion is possibly one of the more controversial topics in the bioethical world today. The major disputes regarding abortion occur over when, if at all, a foetus is considered a human being. Conversely, there is equal dispute over when exactly one could consider a foetus non-human, and whether or not that affects the morality of abortion as a whole. If we approach the topic of abortion through a utilitarian lens, the solution may appear morally permissible. If the goal is to maximize happiness, and the foetus is born into poverty, then it may be morally permissible to abort the foetus, since happiness the infant is compromised by the mother’s inability to support it. Furthermore, if the foetus lacks the capacity to suffer or feel satisfaction, then it is impossible for the foetus to hold any preferences at all. If the preferences of the mother and foetus were weighed against each other, and the foetus was unable to hold any preferences, then it would be morally permissible to abort the foetus, since the preferences were satisfied between the two individuals involved. Therefore, if a utilitarian approach is used regarding abortion, then a morally acceptable solution can be found upon because at an early enough point in the pregnancy, a solution that maximizes happiness can be found without harming the interests of the foetus. A utilitarian believes that the right action produces the greatest amount of human happiness. They do so by taking an impersonal standpoint and by giving equal weight to the interest of all parties involved. If decisions were made so the ends justify the means without any acknowledgement of human happiness, then that would be a consequentialist approach. Utilitarianism incorporates human values such as happiness while still focusing on the consequences.
Before taking a utilitarian approach to abortion, one must first understand the utilitarian’s approach to