Mary Anne Warren

Mary Anne Warren is a prominent bioethicist and philosopher known for her work on abortion and the moral status of women. She argues that personhood is not solely defined by human biology; rather, it includes factors such as consciousness, reasoning, and self-awareness. Warren posits that fetuses do not meet these criteria and, therefore, do not have the same moral status as a person. Her influential essay, "On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion," supports a woman’s right to choose, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and the complexities surrounding reproductive rights within ethical discussions.