Self-Defense
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Consider the following case constructed by Nancy Davis: A and B are mountain climbing. B is about to be knocked off a ledge above A by a slide. If he lands on the lower ledge where A is, he will be saved but she will be killed. If A pulls on B's rope she can save herself but he will die.

Can A justifiably deflect B's fall to save herself? If so, why? Is it her right of self-defense? Would a third party C be justified in deflecting B's fall to save A? Why or why not? Would the justification derive from A's right to defend herself? Would A be justified in hiring a third party to help her in this way? Would B? How could C be justified in choosing A over B since both are innocent of any wrong doing? Do these questions raise problems for defending abortion as self-defense?

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