This week's ethical
dilemma is abortion. Since 1973, when a woman's right to an abortion
was upheld in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision , much debating,
soul-searching, and name-calling has ensued. (And if the truth
were told, this issue has been debated for so much longer than
that).
After this introductory
focus for this topic, you may proceed to this unit's task and
process designed to study this controversial issue. Keep in
mind, however, that ethics is all about questions. You, the
participants, supply your own answers. While this process unfolds,
use these guiding questions to help you stay focused. You will
need to find your answers to these questions in order to arrive
at your personal ethic on this topic:
1.
What are the legal issues involved in
abortion (both at the federal and state
levels)?
2.
What are the various religious issues
involved in abortion?
3.
When does human life begin?
4.
When does "personhood" begin?
5.
When, if ever, is the taking of a human life
justified?
6.
How do you define privacy?
7.
Is it easier to be pro-life or pro-choice
depending on your gender? Why (or why
not)?
