Publication Details
Beard, M.,
&
Lynch, S.
(2013).
Personhood, harm and interest: A reply to Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva.
Journal of Medical Ethics, 39 (5), e1-e4.
https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2012-100692
Abstract
In the article ‘After-birth abortion: why should the baby live?’ arguments are made in favour of the moral permissibility of intentionally killing newborn infants, under particular conditions. Here we argue that their arguments are based on an indefensible view of personhood, and we question the logic of harm and interest that informs their arguments. Furthermore, we argue that the conclusions here are so contrary to ordinary moral intuitions that the argument and conclusions based upon it—including those which defend more mainstream methods of abortion—should be treated with immediate suspicion.
Keywords
abortion, Peter Singer, Francesca Minerva, Alberto Guiblini, personhood, infanticide, after-birth, medical ethics, harm, interest
