Hey, thanks for the reply. I had read Toby’s piece some time ago, but didn’t cite it because I couldn’t find it. Now editing the original. Overall, I think Toby’s article is very pertinent, but potentially wrong. The very fact that many people do not support the “Conclusion” implies that there is a prevailing problem with the way people perceive the consequences of what they actually believe.
“The argument then, is as follows. The embryo has the same moral status as an adult human (the Claim). Medical studies show that more than 60% of all people are killed by spontaneous abortion (a biological fact). Therefore, spontaneous abortion is one of the most serious problems facing humanity, and we must do our utmost to investigate ways of preventing this death—even if this is to the detriment of other pressing issues (the Conclusion). I do not expect many people to accept the Conclusion.” [my addition: but perhaps they should?]
Regarding your other points on tractability, I personally find quite strong evidence that contraception, rather than legal barriers to abortion are the way to improve this. (see prior point about IUDs, or vasectomies)
Hey, thanks for the reply. I had read Toby’s piece some time ago, but didn’t cite it because I couldn’t find it. Now editing the original. Overall, I think Toby’s article is very pertinent, but potentially wrong. The very fact that many people do not support the “Conclusion” implies that there is a prevailing problem with the way people perceive the consequences of what they actually believe.
Regarding your other points on tractability, I personally find quite strong evidence that contraception, rather than legal barriers to abortion are the way to improve this. (see prior point about IUDs, or vasectomies)