Fathers and Abortion. Issue 4 (26th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Nucci, Ezio
• Is Part Of: Journal of medicine and philosophy. Volume 39:Issue 4(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 444
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2014-06-26
• Subjects: abortion -- fathers' rights -- sexual ethics; Medicine -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; Ethics, Medical -- Periodicals; Philosophy, Medical -- Periodicals; 616.001
• DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhu021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5310

Abstract

Abstract: I argue that it is possible for prospective mothers to wrong prospective fathers by bearing their child; and that lifting paternal liability for child support does not correct the wrong inflicted to fathers. It is therefore sometimes wrong for prospective mothers to bear a child, or so I argue here. I show that my argument for considering the legitimate interests of prospective fathers is not a unique exception to an obvious right to procreate. It is, rather, part of a growing consensus that procreation can be morally problematic and that generally talking of rights in this context might not be warranted. Finally, I argue that giving up a right to procreate does not imply nor suggest giving up on women's absolute right to abort, which I defend.