Is the Principle of Double Effect Legitimate When It Comes to Abortion?

Questions about the legitimacy of the principle of double effect when it comes to abortion and saving the mother’s life, whether laws should protect the unborn baby at the expense of the mother’s life, laws for non-viable pregnancies, and changing pro-choice areas vs. leaving.

 

• Is it just a cop-out to cite the principle of double effect when the unborn baby dies as a result of saving the mother’s life?
• What should lawmakers do when it comes to situations where the mother has to choose between her life and her baby’s life? Should she be forced to carry the baby and die as a result?
• Do pro-life abortion policies make it difficult for doctors to assist pregnant patients because they have to wait until the mother is in danger to address non-viable pregnancies?
• Is it better to stay in an area that’s historically pro-choice and try to change it or move to a pro-life area?