On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion Essay Questions

1. Explain Thomson’s argument that abortion is morally permissible. How does Warren respond? Whose argument is more convincing?

2. According to Warren, what is the moral significance of whether an organism belongs to the species homo sapiens? Do you agree or disagree?

3. According to Warren, what is the criteria for personhood? What does this account tell us about the moral status of a fetus? Do you agree with Warren’s criteria for personhood? If not, what is troublesome about her criteria? Defend your answer.

4. Explain Warren’s argument that abortion is morally permissible. What is an objection to that argument? How would Warren respond? Overall, do you find the argument to be convincing?