Ethical Dilemmas In Abortion Research

There is a variety of situations and multiple reasoning for which a woman chooses to obtain an abortion. Nineteen thousand- five hundred women seek abortions because of rape or incest (Munson 445), while factors such as risky fetal and/or mother health conditions, financial hardships, and fetal gender selection are causes as well. Despite the reason a woman wishes to terminate her pregnancy, she must arrive at a final decision, as there is no reversing of a termination. Gibson states that women have rights to privacy, self-determination, and bodily integrity (222). If a woman is impregnated by her partner and wants an abortion, but her partner disagrees, she is not entitled to give his preferences any weight in the final decision. A woman who chooses not to be virtuous …show more content…
First, there is a degree of ambiguity in the term “partner” when referring to this topic. In terms of a relationship, a partner can be defined as someone who shares a sexual intimacy with another. Partnerships can either be heterosexual or homosexual, but in light of the ethical dilemma at hand, focus on a partner who is a male, of adult age, and in a committed relationship. Men who are in a partnership are recognized as a potential source of support towards a woman before and during pregnancy (Almeling and Waggoner 832). It is important to distinguish the meaning behind the term partner for two reasons. One, the ethical dilemma at hand is concerned about a woman’s “partner.” When referring to the male, the terms partner and husband should not be used interchangeably. Terminology in this case should be considered carefully. Also, keep in mind that some pregnancies are results