A Critical Review of Animal and Fetus Rights in Utilitarianism or “How Come When It’s Us, It’s an Abortion, and When It’s a Chicken, It’s an Omelette?”

Author

Katharine McDaidFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-20-2023

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Classics, Philosophy, and Religion

Department Chair or Program Director

Dr. Joe Romero

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Reno

Major or Concentration

Philosophy

Abstract

In this paper, I will be considering the moral standing of animals and fetuses within utilitarianism—by discussing the Time Relative Interest Account and Harm-Based Account—and how the question of moral standing relates to discussions of abortion. The Time Relative Interest Account provides a more effective framework for considering the rights of both animals and fetuses in utilitarianism, and a lack of access to abortion poses a significant challenge to the utilitarian viewpoint often espoused by anti-abortion advocates because they fail to consider the lack of access implications within their utilitarian approach. Therefore, the utilitarianism that is animal rights-based arguments used in anti-abortion rhetoric is flawed and does not follow the moral theory of utilitarianism.

Recommended Citation

McDaid, Katharine, "A Critical Review of Animal and Fetus Rights in Utilitarianism or “How Come When It’s Us, It’s an Abortion, and When It’s a Chicken, It’s an Omelette?”" (2023). Student Research Submissions. 508.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/508

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