- Joined
- Jul 20, 2005
- Messages
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- Location
- Washington, DC
- Gender
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- Political Leaning
- Liberal
Suppose that you woke up tomorrow to find yourself strapped to a lab table. You ask the doctor what was happening, and he points to a man who is also on a lab table.
"Mr. Smith has a rare kidney disease, and he needs a new kidney," the doctor explains. "You are the only compatible donor in the world. We'll be removing your kidney soon."
You protest, but the doctor makes it clear that you have no choice in the matter. This man's right to life is more important than your right to choose what to do with your body.
The doctor then explains to you about the consequences of this procedure. "There is a small chance that you will die during the procedure, and a large chance that you will become sick. Most people who undergo this type of procedure will feel physically sick for nine months, and will probably have to miss some work."
You inquire who is paying for all of this.
"Mr. Smith doesn't have any money or income, so I'm afraid that you will be billed for the cost. It will be approximately $300,000. We understand if you don't have all the money now...so you can spread out your payments over the next 18 years."
The question is this:
Are you morally obliged to undergo this procedure?
If not, how do you justify opposing abortion? What's the distinction?
"Mr. Smith has a rare kidney disease, and he needs a new kidney," the doctor explains. "You are the only compatible donor in the world. We'll be removing your kidney soon."
You protest, but the doctor makes it clear that you have no choice in the matter. This man's right to life is more important than your right to choose what to do with your body.
The doctor then explains to you about the consequences of this procedure. "There is a small chance that you will die during the procedure, and a large chance that you will become sick. Most people who undergo this type of procedure will feel physically sick for nine months, and will probably have to miss some work."
You inquire who is paying for all of this.
"Mr. Smith doesn't have any money or income, so I'm afraid that you will be billed for the cost. It will be approximately $300,000. We understand if you don't have all the money now...so you can spread out your payments over the next 18 years."
The question is this:
Are you morally obliged to undergo this procedure?
If not, how do you justify opposing abortion? What's the distinction?