| The argument is similar to noting a difference between accidental homicide, manslaughter, and murder. If, for example, you shot someone in the reasonable belief that he was threatening you, and he died, you would not be prosecuted. If you killed someone in the heat of the moment, without premeditation, you would be charged with manslaughter, and receive a moderate sentence. If you planned the murder, you would get a heavy sentence. None of these things affects the victims' rights to life, but the degree of culpability imputed, and the degree of punishment exacted. Similarly with rape, incest, and threat to the life of the mother: Society may deem these situations so extreme as to choose not to penalize the mother for aborting, not commenting on the rights of the child, but on the culpability of the mother....... |
