Ethics and Abortion
Sukhit Phaosavasdi MD*, Surasak Taneepanichskul MD*, Yuen Tannirandon MD*, Boonchai Uerphairojkit MD*, Vorapong Phupong MD*, Chumsak Pruksapong MD*, Auerchart Karnchanapitak MD*
Affiliation : * Member of Medical Association of Thailand
A woman, who had already given birth to two children through caesarean found that she had been
pregnant for eight weeks so she went to a clinic to have an abortion. After examination, the doctor told her
that she was not pregnant; as a result, the doctor offered her the menstrual regulation therapy and decided to
sterilize her. However, it was 20-weeks pregnant(1).
During a brainstorming session concerning the above case to study the relationship between ethics
and abortion, almost all of the doctors participating in the session said that according to medical principles,
an abortion is allowed if the unborn is found to be abnormal(2). In the end, they agreed that item 6 of the
medical ethics states that “doctors should abstain from committing sins”(2).
Almost all of the doctors said that it was alright to have an abortion if a problem arises during
pregnancy. They did not realize that having an abortion is a sin. They have to realize that ethics is a branch
of philosophy and some ethical concepts have been widely accepted and practiced. Such ethics are fixed
concepts which doctors have to follow strictly while philosophy in general can be changed through time and
people’s attitudes. Doctors do not need philosophy in their practice but they have to be aware of its existence
to get along well with others in society(3).
Religious teachings are what we cannot violate in any case. For example, we are taught not to take
life no matter what because it is a sin to take life. There are no exceptions in any religion. Ethics and our
consciences tell us that what we are doing is good, bad, right or wrong. Ethical values have been used as a
fixed measurement; however, sometimes society uses the benefits instead of ethical values to judge what is right
or wrong(4). Using benefits as a measurement distracts us from the right track. However, it is hoped that
medical staff are not be distracted by social attitudes(5).
Keywords : Ethics, Abortion
