General Facts
What are the two main methods of abortion? Bonus 50: How effective is each method?
Medical (medication) and Surgical (procedure).
95-98% and 99%, respectively.
An 18-year old woman decides to have an abortion but her partner and family strongly disagree and try to convince her to continue the pregnancy. Which ethical principle applies here?
Autonomy - it is the patient's right to make decisions regardless of outside pressure
In colonial America, abortion was legal before this stage in pregnancy.
Quickening
This landmark case ruled that the Constitution protects a woman's right to choose abortion before fetal viability.
Roe v. Wade
What would a reductionist think about abortion?
- a person is nothing more than biological/physical components
- Abortion is considered morally permissible
A doctor advises a patient to have an abortion after determining that continuing the pregnancy would put her life at serious risk. Which ethical principle applies here?
Beneficence- acting in the patient’s best medical interest to protect her well-being
In this case, nine prominent obstetrician-gynecologists were threatened with losing their licenses.
1966 Case of the San Francisco Nine
Which court case removed the constitutional right to abortion, thus overturning Roe v. Wade?
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Up to how many weeks is abortion permissible in the state of Florida?
Up to 6 weeks
In some areas, abortion services are easily accessible, while in others they are highly restricted or unavailable, making it harder for certain groups to receive care. Which ethical principle applies here?
Justice - fairness and equal access to healthcare services
In 1821, this state became the first of the U.S. to introduce a law restricting abortion.
Connecticut
This landmark case upheld Roe but allowed states to place some restrictions provided they did not create an "undue burden."
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey
At what stage is the fetus able to survive outside of the uterus?
Viability ~24 weeks
A pregnant patient refuses a medically recommended abortion due to personal or religious beliefs, even though doctors warn that continuing the pregnancy could lead to severe complications or death. What are the conflicting ethical principles?
Autonomy vs Non-maleficence - conflict between respecting the patient’s choice and the duty to prevent harm
The earliest known written record acknowledging abortion.
Ancient Egypt's Ebers Papyrus
In this case, the lead plaintiff was initially denied abortion, and she eventually had a closed fallopian tube.
Zurawski v. State of Texas
Approximately __ in __ women in the U.S. have an abortion by age 45. Fill in the blanks.
Approximately 1 in 4 women in the U.S. have an abortion by age 45.
A pregnant patient needs an abortion due to serious health concerns, but her state has strict laws that delay or restrict the procedure. Doctors are hesitant to act immediately because they fear legal consequences, even though waiting could worsen her condition. What are the conflicting ethical principles involved?
Justice vs Non-maleficence - conflict between following laws/fair systems and the duty to prevent harm to the patient
This federal law sought to ban transportation and mail delivery of "obscene materials," including abortifacients.
In this case, Marlise Muñoz was declared brain-dead but put on life support against her family's wishes due to her pregnant status. In which state did this occur?
Texas