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Why the Right to Abortion Is Sacrosanct
Where did defenders of Roe v. Wade go wrong? Why did they lose the moral high ground? What does it take to defend abortion rights in the United States?
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade because it claimed that “a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and traditions.” But if the intellectual tradition the American founders drew on was the doctrine of individual rights, then it is relevant that this doctrine has logical implications that even they might not have grasped. In that respect, the original philosophy of the founders supports an absolute individual right to abortion.
To defend abortion as an inviolable right, it has to be understood as a claim of uncompromising justice. The hard-hitting essays in this book make that case.
Challenging both defenders of Roe and its conservative critics, Ben Bayer lays out a rational, secular defense of the right to abortion based on Ayn Rand’s philosophy. Bayer shows how the principles of Rand’s individualist ethics enshrine a woman’s right to her own happiness, without limitation by any competing “rights” of the fetus.
Can the controversy over abortion be settled by scientific facts alone? No, Bayer explains, because philosophical reasoning is needed to interpret the relevance of the science.
Ultimately the right to abortion—which Bayer argues should be legal until birth—allows a woman to protect what’s sacred about her own life and future.
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade because it claimed that “a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and traditions.” But if the intellectual tradition the American founders drew on was the doctrine of individual rights, then it is relevant that this doctrine has logical implications that even they might not have grasped. In that respect, the original philosophy of the founders supports an absolute individual right to abortion.
To defend abortion as an inviolable right, it has to be understood as a claim of uncompromising justice. The hard-hitting essays in this book make that case.
Challenging both defenders of Roe and its conservative critics, Ben Bayer lays out a rational, secular defense of the right to abortion based on Ayn Rand’s philosophy. Bayer shows how the principles of Rand’s individualist ethics enshrine a woman’s right to her own happiness, without limitation by any competing “rights” of the fetus.
Can the controversy over abortion be settled by scientific facts alone? No, Bayer explains, because philosophical reasoning is needed to interpret the relevance of the science.
Ultimately the right to abortion—which Bayer argues should be legal until birth—allows a woman to protect what’s sacred about her own life and future.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 30, 2022
Very short book but very thought provoking.
July 13, 2022
Agree with the stance, but there isn't a whole lot of argument.
It is a collection of articles, obviously put together quickly given the circumstances. It's worth the $5.
I don't think the first three articles are that useful. They state a number of conclusions, and states Rand's views accurately, but there isn't much of an argument beyond that.
The last two articles are what make the book worth reading. Even those aren't the detailed Objectivist case for abortion that I'd rather read.
It is a collection of articles, obviously put together quickly given the circumstances. It's worth the $5.
I don't think the first three articles are that useful. They state a number of conclusions, and states Rand's views accurately, but there isn't much of an argument beyond that.
The last two articles are what make the book worth reading. Even those aren't the detailed Objectivist case for abortion that I'd rather read.
May 13, 2022
Terrific collection of essays in support of individual rights
Philosophical arguments in support of a woman's right to her life and pursuit of her happiness necessitates that she be legally able to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Must-read for anyone who supports "right to choose."
Philosophical arguments in support of a woman's right to her life and pursuit of her happiness necessitates that she be legally able to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Must-read for anyone who supports "right to choose."
June 22, 2022
An irrational and flawed argument for abortion.
This book tries to justify abortion rights by referencing Ayn Rand's biased opinions, not using Objectivist philosophy. The philosophy itself actually supports a pro-life stance. I suggest reading the JSTOR article RAND ON ABORTION: A CRITIQUE.
This book tries to justify abortion rights by referencing Ayn Rand's biased opinions, not using Objectivist philosophy. The philosophy itself actually supports a pro-life stance. I suggest reading the JSTOR article RAND ON ABORTION: A CRITIQUE.
November 26, 2023
Succinct and presents Ayn Rand’s position accurately
Although I disagree with the overall position of Ben and Ayn Rand’s support of abortion, this is a recommended well worth read for those who wish to understand with clarity the position of Rand and objectivists
Although I disagree with the overall position of Ben and Ayn Rand’s support of abortion, this is a recommended well worth read for those who wish to understand with clarity the position of Rand and objectivists
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews