Tania Rahman

History of abortion1803 The Ellenborough Act1861 The Offences Against the Person Act1929 Infant Life Preservation Act1936 The Abortion Law Reform Association1967 The Abortion Act

Autonomy Woman’s right to decideFreedom of choiceFinancial/emotional burdenForcing the ‘unwilling to bear the unwanted’Broader contribution to society than

childbearing

BeneficenceBest interests of the mother

- impact on life and mental state

Best interests of the child- quality of life- risk of being

unloved/abuse/neglect/Best interests of society

- financial burden- healthcare resources

Non-maleficenceImproving lives of others rather than adding

burdenNo specified time limit

- most abortions are earlyAbortion preferable choice to unwanted child

-does not lead to increased mental health problems

Can the foetus feel pain?

JusticeDoes a foetus have rights? If so, when?Is the foetus a person?Effect on society Unwanted childrenNot discriminating against the disabledPlanned parenthood

- abortion the ‘responsible choice’