A Feminist Approach
	CONTINUE ON

Harrison's position is a complex one that makes a number of distinctions not usually found in the literature on abortion. She distinguishes a human being from a person. She distinguishes having a right for intrinsic reasons from extending a right for other reasons. But the foundations of her argument are her concept of body-right, her claim that a fully developed brain structure is necessary before abortion requires serious justification, and her definition of personhood in terms of higher human functions.

If you accept her overall view, you need to provide answers to crucial questions. Why should a fully developed human brain structure, rather than the genetic preconditions for such a structure, be considered a crucial moral boundary? What counts as a serious justification for abortion in late stages of pregnancy? Why should personhood be defined in terms of higher functions that exclude the fetus with a fully developed brain structure? This criterion excludes infants as well, and raises the possibility that infanticide is justified along with abortion.

If you accept Harrison's view, can you reply to these questions?

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