The Abortion Debate

Probably the most polarizing debate of current times is over abortion, with no resolution in sight. The dispute is usually characterized as between two Rights, 'To Life' and 'To Choose'. There is no arguing that a conflict in those terms is a fundamental one, one side asserting the right of an entity to not have its life taken from it, the other of a woman to not have what transpires in her body to be decided by bystanders, often males, often those who treat women as mere incubating vessels. But the whole controversy turns on a more fundamental issue. The idea that 'Abortion is murder' implies that what transpires is the taking of a life that is in some sense equivalent to that of post-birth human entities. In other words, the basic question is whether or not 'Life begins at conception'. For, if there were some agreement about that, then there would likely be no debate, even if abortions were to continue. However, for some, Life begins at birth, and for others, at the moment of fetus viability outside the womb, circa the 25th week of preganancy. Furthermore, there is variation even among anti-abortionists. Taboos against certain forms of contraception imply that life might even begin with the coital event that leads to conception. And, if it begins then, why not at the dinner that sets the stage for the coitus? In other words, the determination of when Life begins is completely unsettled, and, possibly, arbitrary, in which case, the debate reverts to the secondary question of who should decide if and when an abortion should take place. It is at this secondary level that the plain priority of the person bearing the fetus is invoked. But this Right to choose will never be recognized by someone who maintains that Life begins anytime before birth. Hence, this debate seems unlikely to be resolved at any foreseeable time.