This is a multidisciplinary research covering law, ethics and philosophy. The research proposes a new model to reconcile the abortion debate without us (possibly) knowing when life begins. It asserts the importance of finding a middle ground between the ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’ propositions. It revisits Dworkin’s ‘sanctity of human life’ approach; and Block’s evictionism (a model that remains under-researched in academia). It argues that neither is satisfactory. It explores the ethical justifications for adopting this rights structure, in particular ‘procreative autonomy’ (Greasley, 2013) and the modern doctor-patient relationships (Montgomery, 2015). It outlines the legal justifications for the model. The research acknowledges the need for boundaries in legalising abortion using this approach. It reflects on issues of sex-selective abortion and the striking news of Dr Rajmohan (2015). It suggests that the new model will help reconcile the abortion debate.
Cheng, Jacky
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Year: 2016
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