Infanticide After Abortion: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Sunday's Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered a question on infanticide after abortion. The question was:

Is killing a baby born after an abortion a form of murder? Kermit Gosnell is currently on trial for murder, due to accusations that he killed infants who were delivered in abortions at his clinic. If the facts are as reported, should he be convicted of murder? What should be done when a baby is born alive during an abortion? What are the likely cultural and political implications of this trial?

My Answer, In Brief: According to the testimony at the trial, Kermit Gosnell did not merely perform abortions: he killed born babies, i.e. persons with a right to life. A person who does that is guilty of murder, and he should be prosecuted and punished.

Download or Listen to My Full Answer:

• Duration: 15:52
• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Abortion, Children, Crime, Ethics, Infanticide, Law, Politics, Pregnancy, Rights

Links:

• The Atlantic: Why Dr. Kermit Gosnell's Trial Should Be a Front-Page Story and 14 Theories for Why Kermit Gosnell's Case Didn't Get More Media Attention by Conor Friedersdorf
• CBS News Coverage of the Kermit Gosnell Trial
• The "Personhood" Movement Is Anti-Life: Why It Matters that Rights Begin at Birth, Not Conception by Ari Armstrong and Diana Hsieh, particularly Rights in Pregnancy
• Abortion Doctor Kermit Gosnell Condemned by Pro-Abortion Rights Groups
• Gallup: Americans' Abortion Views Steady Amid Gosnell Trial
• Philosophy in Action: Criminal Death of a Fetus

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

A podcast of the full episode – where I answered questions on taxes versus slavery, infanticide after abortion, emergency medical care, and more – is available here: Episode of 12 May 2013.

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Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.