Which statement describes the utilitarian position on abortion?

• A. Always supports abortion
• B. Abortion is always wrong
• C. The right to abortion depends on religious doctrine
• D. No definite position; greatest good matters

Answer: (D)

In utilitarian ethics, what matters is the consequences of an action for overall well-being. There is no fixed rule about abortion; the right decision depends on whether ending a pregnancy would produce more happiness and less suffering for those affected, including the pregnant person, potential child, family, and society. Because of this focus on outcomes, there isn’t a blanket stance that abortion is always allowed or always wrong, nor is there reliance on religious doctrine. The best statement reflects that utilitarian reasoning yields no definite position; what matters is maximizing the greatest good in the specific context. So, a utilitarian would endorse abortion if its consequences increase overall well-being, or oppose it if continuing would better promote overall happiness and reduce suffering.