I.

Introduction

Abortion has been a significant topic over the years, with emphasis to its ethicality and its effects

on the pregnant woman and the unborn child. Abortion, also called the ‘termination of pregnancy’ is the

removal of a fertilized embryo from the uterus of the woman resulting to its death. The discussion and

exchange of arguments to this sensitive topic affects different groups including various religions, medical

professionals, as well as other fields such as sociology, philosophy and psychology. Leading to the

decision of killing the embryo is a matter given at the hands of the woman who is carrying it. This is the

strong claim of the woman, since it is her body and it is her rights to do anything to it even without

considering the consequences it could bring. Conversely, the life of the fertilized embryo is subject to an

end without bearing in mind its potential life ahead. As these two factors are affected in the practice of

abortion, different views are taken into account to analyze how the outcome could significantly affect the

woman and the developing embryo.

Abortion is the effect of unwanted pregnancy. There are two types of procedure for this process, one

is medical the other is surgical. Medical abortion can be done by taking abortion pills. The first type of

abortion pill is for early medical abortion for women that are 1-10 weeks pregnant. The other type is for

women who are 10-24 weeks pregnant. For the surgical procedure, Vacuum aspiration is for women who

are up to 15 weeks pregnant. This is done through gentle suction. On the other hand, dilatation and

evacuation is for women are between 15 to 24 weeks pregnant. This process involves the use of narrow

forceps entering through the neck of the unborn child and the use of gentle suction.

This paper will try to examine the underlying ethical principles established enough that could

support or dissent the practice of abortion. Specifically, with the use of Kantian ethics, this paper

will analyze how the concepts of Immanuel Kant would further objectify the genesis of a new

person.
 Kantian philosophy, ascribed by Immanuel Kant, is a deontological ethics concerned with the view

that a good will is the only thing good without qualification and that is good in itself. Some of Immanuel

Kant’s notable ideas are the Formula of the End in itself and the Categorical Imperative. Kant’s The

Formula of the End in Itself states that one must act in a way that always treat humanity as an end instead

of merely as a means whether it is another person or oneself. Using a person in an action that they may

not consent to devalue their humanity and the person is used merely as a means. Categorical Imperative is

another concept by Kant for evaluating the reason behind an action. According to this concept, one must

act according to a maxim or principle, and it must be universal. A categorical imperative is duty bound

and must be obeyed in every situation. A person must act accordingly to a maxim and must not treat his

fellow men as a means to achieve ends.