Animal Rights and Self-Defense Theory

JOHN HADLEY

School of Communication, Centre for Applied Philosophy & Public Ethics (CAPPE), Charles Sturt University

Through his recent discussion of rights-based approaches to the morality of abortion, Jeff McMahan sheds light on the implications for extending even if the fetus is afforded maximum moral status. Central to Thompson‘s argument is her claim that people should not be obliged to help others at great cost to themselves. She says: ‘‘Nobody is morally required to make large sacrifices, of health, of all other interests and concerns, of all other duties and commitments, for nine years, or even for nine months, in order to keep another person alive.’’3 According to Thompson, while it is reasonable to expect people to provide so-called minimal aid and assistance to individuals in need, it is asking too much of women to demand they carry an unwanted pregnancy to term given the significant personal costs involved.