07-04-2022, 09:11 PM
(07-04-2022, 08:15 PM)Lucidus Wrote: We should always respect the right of autonomy up the point when one's autonomy could harm another. A fetus entering the third trimester has a much higher survival rate and much lower risk of health issues if delivered; thus can be reasonably determined to be viable. Once the fetus is deemed viable -- to a high degree of scientific, evidence based certainty -- it should then be allowed the unfettered opportunity to be born, excluding emergency medical situations.
To understand autonomy, is to understand the limitations of autonomy. I'm sure you've heard the expression "your personal liberty to swing your arm ends where my nose begins". Once a fetus attains the status of being highly viable outside the womb, it should be afforded that same consideration. That consideration, at that point, is in no way in opposition the autonomy of the pregnant individual.
Which of course is why late term abortions are - at best - incredibly rare and only available if continuing the gestate is dangerous not only to the long term health of the mother but the child-to-be.
