PowerPoint Presentation
Abortion: The Ethical DilemmaWhen Does Life Begin? Heather
SeagleExcelsior College
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Introduction The ethical issue of abortion centers around the
issue of when life begins.
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The Scientific ArgumentWhen does the fetus become a human life?
ConceptionSyngamyLife Cycle
An organism is defined as (1) a complex structure of independent
and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely
determined by their function in the whole and (2) an individual
constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs
separate in function but mutually dependent: a living being
(Condic,2008, p. 6)
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Supporting EvidenceDr. Maureen CondicA new, unique cell formed
shortly after conceptionExhibits defining traits of an
organismSelf-organized cells prevalent before syngamyAbortion would
be murder at any point
Professor John BiggersLife does not begin at conceptionLife is
cyclical Two phases: haploid and diploid Abortion would be murder
at any point, including conception
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The Philosophical ArgumentDoes the exact moment of when life
begins matter?Future of ValueSentience Contribution to the
world
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Supporting Evidence
Don MarquisEveryone has a future of valueAbortion would
eliminate itBenagiano et alAt what point could they contribute to
the worldAbortion could save from a biological disorder
As reported in the UK Daily Mail Magazine Online
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ConclusionScientific Argument Life begins at conceptionLife
begins at syngamyLife is a cyclical continuumAbortion is
murderPhilosophical ArugmentThe point life begins is
irrelevantFetus have a future of valueCertain types of abortion
could be excusable
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References
Benagiano, G., Mort, M., Ford, N., & Grudzinskas, G. (2011).
Early pregnancy wastage: ethical considerations. Reproductive
Biomedicine Online (Reproductive Healthcare Limited), 22(7),
692-700. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.03.008Biggers, J. (1981). When
Does Life Begin?. Sciences, 21(10), 10.Condic, M. (2008). When Does
Human Life Begin? A Scientific Perspective. Westchester Institute
White Paper Series 1(1), 18.Marquis, D. (Apr., 1989) Why Abortion
is Immoral. The Journal of Philosophy. (86) 4, pp. 183-202Sade, D.
M. (2006). Defining the Beginning and the End of Human Life:
Implications for Ethics, Policy, and Law: Abortion and the
Beginning and End of Human Life. Journal Of Law, Medicine &
Ethics, 34(16).
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