"A Defense of Abortion" (essay)

"A Defense of Abortion" is a philosophical essay by Judith Jarvis Thomson that explores the moral debate over abortion. She argues that even if a fetus has a right to life, this right does not always outweigh a woman's right to control her own body. Using thought experiments, like the famous "violinist scenario," Thomson shows that a woman can be justified in choosing abortion in many circumstances to protect her autonomy and well-being. The essay doesn't say all abortions are justified but challenges the idea that abortion is automatically morally wrong, emphasizing the complexity of balancing rights.