The naive Rawlsian conclusion that abortion should be banned isnt correct. A more careful Rawlsian analysisbased on hypothetical contracts with souls who abide behind the veil of ignoranceargues for more births but leads to the conclusion that most abortions should be unrestricted. Life, like everything else we value, should be produced efficiently. No observer can know whether a woman is a low-cost producer. Only she knows. Therefore, if we want more babies, the efficient solution isnt to conscript people for parenthood, but to subsidize it.
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Steven E. Landsburg is a professor of economics at the University of Rochester.
Other Independent Review articles by Steven E. Landsburg | |
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