Abortion and Ectogenesis: Moral Compromise

Abstract

The contemporary philosophical literature on abortion primarily revolves around three seemingly intractable debates, concerning the (1) moral status of the fetus, (2) scope of women’s rights and (3) moral relevance of the killing/letting die distinction. The possibility of ectogenesis—technology that would allow a fetus to develop outside of a gestational mother’s womb—presents a unique opportunity for moral compromise. Here, I argue those opposed to abortion have a prima facie moral obligation to pursue ectogenesis technology and provide ectogenesis for disconnected fetuses as part of a moral compromise.

Prolife hypocrisy: why inconsistency arguments do not matter

“…Examples of inconsistency arguments include criticism of OAs for their (i) (alleged) 'silence' (or lack of concern) regarding spontaneous abortion, 1 (ii) refusal to adopt unwanted children, and (iii) refusal to adopt and implant surplus cryopreserved embryos. 2 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Simkulet, for example, accuses OAs of 'hypocrisy' when they do not adopt and raise children, as they 'are asking others to do things that they are unwilling to do themselves.' [17] Bovens criticizes OAs for opposing contraceptives that (may) have abortifacient tendencies while endorsing the 'rhythm method' (which may cause more embryonic death overall).…”

“…So, OAs must not really believe that the death of a frozen embryo is equivalent to the death of an adult human being. 17 [16] Here, the claim is that consistency of beliefs demands adopting at least one frozen embryo. The argument is deceptive, however, as it omits other possible actions available to OAs.…”

“…Opponents of abortion (OAs) are frequently described as 'inconsistent.' [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] For example, it is claimed that they 'care too little' about preventing spontaneous abortion, they fail to protect surplus cryopreserved embryos (via embryo adoption), and they refuse to adopt unwanted children. We will call such arguments 'inconsistency arguments.'…”

Reviewing the womb

“…xv The artificial womb is frequently posited as both an alternative to abortion, [90][91][92] and to pregnancy. 78 93 94 It is inappropriate to consider ectogestation as an alternative to…”

Medical ethics and broadening the context of debate

“…The Journal of Medical Ethics has published a few papers over recent years that explore the ethical implications of ectogenesis. [1][2][3][4] It is an as yet undeveloped but theoretically possible method by which a fetus can be gestated outside of the womb, and while the prospects of 'full' ectogenesis seem some way off, there are techniques that suggest 'partial' ectogenesis could be closer. This issue's Feature Article considers two of the principal arguments that have been developed in favour of ectogenesis being permissible and available.…”