Citation

Beard M, Lynch S. J. Med. Ethics 2013; 39(5): e1-4.

Affiliation

Centre for Faith, Ethics & Society, University of Notre Dame, PO Box 944 Broadway 2007, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia. matthew.beard@nd.edu.au

Comment On:

J Med Ethics 2013;39(5):261-3.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/medethics-2012-100692

PMID

23637453

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.

Language: en