The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life
October 30, 1998
The idea of a Natural Law doesn’t seem to jive with the abortion debate. After all, according to Aquinas, Natural Law is "a share of the eternal reason, … a natural inclination to [man’s] proper act and end" (ST I-II, Q. 91, Art. 2).
Considering the two distinct sides of the abortion debate, it would seem that there is more than one Natural Law, since both sides claim to be acting according to their conscience in a desire to benefit society.
As Pro-Lifers, we consider abortion monstrous for its devaluation of human life. Pro-Choice people consider abortion a necessity and a woman’s right.
In spite of this conflict, there is only one Natural Law: "as regards the common principles whether of speculative or of practical reason, truth or rectitude is the same for all, and is equally known by all" (ST I-II, Q. 94, Art. 4).
Aquinas emphasizes that as individuals move from universal principles (such as "good ought to be done") to particular situations, "we encounter defects" (ibid.). This explains the differing opinions in the abortion debate.
This does not mean that the two sides are equally right. That there is only one Natural Law dictates that truth is not subjective.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
