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Consider some of the problems with defining the right to life. How would you define it and how would you deal with the problems?

  • The right to "any and all" help is quite strong. Do we all have this right? It seems to imply that each of us is obligated to do whatever is necessary to save the life of any embryo or fetus (or person) anywhere. Do you believe this?
  • The right "not to be deprived of life by other people" seems to imply that we are never justified in killing an unborn child. What if the child is diseased? What if it threatens its mother?
  • It is often said that the child has a right not to be killed because it is innocent. But aren't there innocent threats that can be justly opposed? Even killed? What if the child is not a physical but rather an economic or emotional threat?
  • If the embryo/fetus can have rights at all, it seems fair to say that it should not be unjustly deprived of life. But this leaves us asking when we are justified in killing it (or required to protect it). The big question is still unanswered.