Thinking Critically About Abortion
A concise, accessible introduction to the ethics of abortion that emphasizes how to think about the arguments—not merely what to think. The book examines common arguments on multiple sides, explains influential philosophical arguments, and models careful, charitable critical thinking about a difficult issue.
For students, instructors, discussion groups, and independent readers. The goal is not to “win” an abortion debate, but to understand the arguments, identify weak reasoning, and ask what conclusions are actually supported by good reasons.
Start here
Choose the way you want to engage with the material.
Read the book
Read the complete text online or download a free copy in the format you prefer.
Test your understanding
Try the Abortion and Ethics Quiz to review core concepts, arguments, and reasoning.
Teach or discuss it
Use discussion questions, research resources, videos, and other materials for courses or groups.
What’s in the book
The book moves from basic concepts and facts to common arguments and then to the strongest philosophical arguments about abortion.
- What exactly is an abortion? Definitions, “murdering babies,” “termination,” and “killing.”
- Fetal consciousness & abortion facts When consciousness develops, when abortions occur, and why.
- Common bad arguments Question-begging and everyday arguments from different sides.
- Philosophers’ arguments Humanity, personhood, potential, valuable futures, harm, and rights.
- The right to life & bodily autonomy Whether a right to life includes a right to use another person’s body.
- Ethics, law, and conclusions How moral conclusions connect—or fail to connect—to legal conclusions.
Why this book?
Argument-centered
Instead of beginning with political labels or slogans, the book asks what the arguments actually are, what their premises mean, and whether those premises support their conclusions.
Accessible but rigorous
It is designed to be readable by non-specialists while introducing the critical-thinking tools used in philosophy: defining terms, identifying assumptions, laying out arguments, and comparing explanations.
Open access
The complete book is available free online and in downloadable formats, making it easy to assign, share, and discuss.
Useful even if you disagree
The authors defend substantive conclusions, but the larger aim is to help readers better understand and evaluate arguments—including their own.
Praise for the book
“A lucid and engaging introduction to the ethics of abortion… They seek to find the best arguments, not arguments that fit any particular agenda.”
Rebecca Tuvel, Rhodes College“It’s hard to think clearly about abortion. This book helps… even if you disagree with the conclusions that the authors reach, you’ll learn a great deal.”
Bob Fischer, Texas State UniversityPeter Singer described the book as an open-access, easy-to-read, brief introduction that could be useful in introductory applied-ethics classes.
Peter Singer, 2019Teaching & discussion resources
The book can be used as a short primary text or paired with readings that defend different conclusions. These materials make it easier to use in a class, reading group, or structured discussion.
Discussion questions
Questions for reviewing arguments and prompting further discussion.
Research resources
Further ethical, legal, philosophical, and scientific resources.
Video presentation
A multi-part presentation reviewing the book’s arguments and concepts.
Alternative shorter readings
See “Common Arguments About Abortion” and “The Ethics of Abortion” for shorter classroom options.
Go further
The site has grown beyond the original 2019 book. Use these sections when you want more detail on particular arguments or newer discussions.
Newer articles & blog posts
Responses, extensions, book reviews, and discussions developed after publication.
Focused topics
Explore dedicated pages on personhood, bodily autonomy, begging the question, classic readings, and more using the site menu.
About the authors
Nathan Nobis, PhD, Morehouse College, and Kristina Grob, PhD, University of South Carolina Sumter, are philosophy professors with teaching and research experience in ethics, critical thinking, and abortion-related issues.
