Abortion and Double Effect

Overview

Recall questions on why natural moral law forbids abortion, the four conditions of double effect, and the proportionalist, situationist and virtue ethics positions on abortion.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Why does natural moral law hold that abortion is always wrong?

   Model answer

   Because it directly kills an innocent human being, violating the primary precept of preserving life.

2. 2

   In the doctrine of double effect, what is required of the act itself?

   Model answer

   The act itself must be good or neutral.

3. 3

   According to the doctrine of double effect, what must be true about the good effect?

   Model answer

   The good effect must be intended.

4. 4

   What does the doctrine of double effect require regarding the bad effect and its relationship to the good?

   Model answer

   The bad effect must not be the means to the good.

5. 5

   What is the fourth condition of the doctrine of double effect?

   Model answer

   There must be proportionate reason for permitting the bad effect.

6. 6

   How might the doctrine of double effect permit a medical procedure that indirectly causes fetal death?

   Model answer

   If the intention is to save the mother's life and the fetal death is a foreseen but unintended side effect.

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