Carl Sagan, in his book, "Dragons of Eden", proposes his version of a solution to the abortion debate. Sagan says that at various stages of fetal development, the human embryo's brain development would be equal to that of many of the "lower" animals, such as reptiles, birds, apes and so on. The longer the pregnancy has lasted, the more evolved the brain.
Since this is a culture that is largely non-vegetarian and routinely kills "lower" animals like chicken, pig, cow and so on for food, Sagan says society can think in terms of allowing abortion as long as the fetus' brain development is at or below that of these animals, and that would be up to the end of the second trimester of pregnancy.
Of course, Sagan's solution wouldn't please those who are on the extreme sides of the debate, but then what can? There are people who insist that humans are completely different from the animals (notwithstanding the scientific evidence to the contrary) and who say that humans have "souls" while the animals do not. Sagan's solution is not intended for such extreme people, nor would it please those who claim to have the right to have an abortion at any time, for any reason or even for no reason. Rather it is meant for the mainstream public that needs some sound basis to make decisions one way or the other.
Dipy. |
