In her essay titled “Pro-Child / Pro-Choice: An Exercise in Doublethink?”, Judith A. Boss analyzes the argument for legalizing abortion, which claims that it is beneficial to children in general. Boss introduces the commonly used slogan of the pro-choice stance, “Pro-Child / Pro-Choice.” She compares this slogan to “newspeak,” a term derived from George Orwell’s 1984, which involves expressing entire ideologies in concise slogans. Newspeak and its associated “doublethink,” defined as holding contradictory beliefs simultaneously, contribute to the perpetuation of simplistic slogans. Boss argues that doublethink is maintained by refusing to critically evaluate the assumptions and facts behind one’s beliefs.
To undermine the pro-child/pro-choice position, Boss begins by presenting the assumptions and facts supporting it. According to Boss, the fundamental assumption of the pro-child/pro-choice position is that excluding unborn humans from moral and legal protection, thereby granting women complete autonomy in deciding whether to carry a pregnancy to term, benefits children. Boss divides children into two categories and examines the potential advantages provided by unrestricted access to abortion.The text emphasizes two categories of beneficiaries – the unborn child and the born child. For the unborn child, their potential abortion can save them from a miserable life (157). Conversely, the born child benefits as they can experience a better quality of life and receive unobstructed paternal love without the presence of burdensome siblings.
In recognizing the potential benefits for women and social empowerment, it is crucial to assess the consequences of legalized abortion. Since 1973, women have found empowerment in their professional lives; however, it is important to question if this comes at a cost. To fully understand the advantages of allowing abortion-on-demand, one must consider all its effects. Unfortunately, we have not adequately evaluated these consequences. As a result, several queries arise: How does doublethink conflict with utilitarian theory? Are there positive outcomes linked to guaranteeing abortion-on-demand? How can we ensure every child is born healthy? Is such an achievement even possible?
