Is sex-selective abortion morally justified and should it be prohibited?

Wendy Rogers*, Angela Ballantyne, Heather Draper

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper we argue that sex-selective abortion (SSA) cannot be morally justified and that it should be prohibited. We present two main arguments against SSA. First, we present reasons why the decision for a woman to seek SSA in cultures with strong son-preference cannot be regarded as autonomous on either a narrow or a broad account of autonomy. Second, we identify serious harms associated with SSA including perpetuation of discrimination against women, disruption to social and familial networks, and increased violence against women. For these reasons, SSA should be prohibited by law, and such laws should be enforced. Finally, we describe additional strategies for decreasing son-preference. Some of these strategies rely upon highlighting the disadvantages of women becoming scarce, such as lack of brides and daughters-in-law to care for elderly parents. We should, however, be cautious not to perpetuate the view that the purpose of women is to be the consorts for, and carers of, men, and the providers of children. Arguments against SSA should be located within a concerted effort to ensure greater, deeper social and cultural equality between the sexes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)520-524
Number of pages5
JournalBioethics
Volume21
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Autonomy
  • Discrimination
  • Public policy
  • Sex-specific abortion
  • Women's health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is sex-selective abortion morally justified and should it be prohibited?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this