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Moral Views on Abortion and Euthanasia Essay

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Moral Views on Abortion and Euthanasia

The argument of the sanctity of life lies at the heart of all ethical debates on embryo experiments, abortion and euthanasia. In 1967, a nationwide debate was instigated in Britain, regarding whether abortion was a violation of the sanctity of life. Pro-life groups were angered by the legalisation of abortion, many believing that abortion was to destroy a sacred gift from God. Pro-choice groups, on the other hand, welcomed the reform, as they believed women should have the freedom to decide what is best for themselves.

The debate continues today, and these groups have not subsided with their vigorous, vivid, and, at times, violent campaigns.

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The point he is trying to make in developing this imaginary world is that, in the actual world we inhabit, the language of morality is in the same state of grave disorder as the language of natural science in the imaginary world.[2]

It seems that, what is seen as moral or immoral, is dependant on individuals subjective points of view. It is not looked at objectively, that is, what people should believe as a whole. Therefore, peoples opinions of what should be seen as a moral absolute vary greatly from one to the other.

Moral absolutism is the belief that one must do what is right, or moral, no matter what the context of the act. For example, to tell a lie would be immoral and wrong, even if it would save a life. In Romans 3:8, it states that it is not licit to do evil that good may come of it.

The Catholic Church believes there are intrinsic evils, as do deontologists, such as Immanuel Kant, who would never lie no matter what the situation, as lying is intrinsically wrong. So, with regards to sanctity of life and abortion, should this be a moral absolute? The Catholic Church believe so, yet there are other groups that believe in moral consequentialism, such as Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics. These believe that there are no moral absolutes: the morality of an action depends upon on the

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