The Rights of the Unborn

          The arguments either for or against abortion generally stem from one singular point of contention: at what point does a fetus become classified as a human being. For if the unborn child is in fact a human, then killing it is no different than murder. Performing this harm upon the child brings into effect a clashing of utilitarian principles, which only heighten the issue. On one hand, causing physical harm to another must not be allowed to occur. On the other, based strictly on what is best for the greatest number of people, abortion may be the more utilitarian act.
          The only time a government should have the power to restrict the actions of an individual is when they directly cause the harm of another or others. Though this could often be left up to interpretation as to what ‘harm’ entails, physical harm to another human meets the criteria without a doubt. There is no question as to whether or not the aggressor is merely offending or being ethically incorrect towards another individual; killing is objectively wrong and not up to interpretation. Therefore, for a government to mandate that abortion is legally wrong, contingent on the classification of a fetus as a human, would be morally and ethically permissible.
          The most fundamental principle of utilitarianism is that whatever does the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people is inherently right. This becomes an incredibly difficult concept when it comes to abortion because what is best for the greatest number of people may cause harm to another. In many instances in which abortion is an alternative, the parents or parents of the unborn child may benefit more from an abortion than the unborn child. These benefits may come in the form of a lack of a financial burden or in the simple lack of preparedness. Raising a child is an extremely difficult task and not everyone is suited for it at any given time. For this reason, an abortion may be better for more people than keeping the child, making it the most utilitarian decision.
          The issue of abortion is an extremely difficult one as there is no clear-cut right or wrong. Though one cannot harm another, whatever is best for the greatest number of people must be followed. However, in this specific instance, the right of an individual not to be physically harmed trumps the benefits of what may be a majority. For this reason, abortion is wrong and the government has the right to regulate it in order to protect the rights of the unborn.