Continuing the series on real-life versions of the trolley problem. Today we wrap a trolley problem around abortion.
A pregnant woman’s life is in danger. If she continues to carry the baby, she will die. If she aborts the baby, she will live. She is currently incoherent, and you must make the decision. You have two options:
- Do nothing, and she will die. The baby will live.
- Abort the baby, and the baby will die. She will live.
What is the right thing to do?
Let’s add nuance.
What if the pregnancy was an accident, and the woman doesn’t want the baby?
What if the chances of the woman dying are less than 100%?
What if the baby has Spina Bifida?
What if the baby is a result of rape?
What if the woman is your wife?
What if the woman has other children and abuses them?
What if the woman is a prostitute?
What if the woman is a heroin addict and the baby will be born addicted?
What if the baby is actually babies — twins?
