Write a 4-5 page, double-spaced word document that analyzes the following case in light of four of the following ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, natural law theory, and care ethics. Specifically identify which of the four ethical theories you are using. Be sure to use specific concepts and principles for each of these theories how you approach the case.
Case: Modified from Ruggiero (2012)
The most controversial moral issue of our time may well be the issue of abortion. The Supreme Court’s liberal ruling has not diminished the vigor of the debate. The very mention of the issue can trigger emotional outbursts. Most people tend to gravitate toward polar positions: ”. Anything less than abortion on demand is a denial of the most basic right of women” or “Any form of abortion at any stage of pregnancy is premeditated murder.” In taking such positions, they close their minds to the complexities of the issue and miss the many distinctions that must be made. Any meaningful discussion of abortion must address at least these fundamental questions: Does a woman have absolute rights over her body or are there limitations on those rights? When does life begin? At what stage of prenatal development, if any, is the fetus properly regarded as a person? (This question is a crucial one in the law because at the moment a person is present, the issue of civil rights arises.) Are there sufficient differences among the various kinds of abortion cases to call for different moral judgments? For example, is the case of the 14-year-old victim of rape different from that of the wealthy, childless society matron? Are either of those cases different from that of the poor woman who already has ten children or from that of the young married working woman? Discuss how the issue of abortion may be viewed in light of the 4 distinct ethical theories.
