Ethics in Communism

[HatefulRed]

If communism were to ever succeed, how would we address issues like abortion, doctor assisted suicide, and same-sex marriage? Because of the abolition of religion, would we accept these kinds of things or would they still be contraversial like there are in America? Does Marx say anything about this?

[Whitten]

I remember reading something by Engles on the subject of Bourgeois morality. Basicly you'll find it hard to find many communists who oppose the right for someone to have an abortion, or same-sex relations (marriage, outsides the context of religion, being an entirly legal procedure, its uncertain whether it would exist in the final stage of communism). And I'm sure most would support a persons right to die.

[dannie]

I think it's pretty simple. It's up to the people involved...
If doctor and patient both consent to f.e. abortion (I hate the word), or euthanasia no one has a right to say they cannot.

[apathy maybe]

Personally out of those I think the only vaguely controversial one (i.e. one that a leftist might legitimately oppose) is abortion. And even in the case of abortion, I think it would only be in the final stages of the pregnancy.

In a anarchist society (communist or otherwise), most ethical decisions that affect others will be made at a local community level. Things that do not affect others (suicide, relationships etc.) will not come into it.

Yes religious types might still be around to object to other people doing what they want with their own body, but they will be told to "fuck off", probably not politely either. They are more then welcome to do what they want with their bodies as well.

[Dreadnaht1]

Unfortunately, most of the topics you mentioned blur the line with ethics. The general rule of thumb would most likely be a 'as long as you're not hurting yourself, it's legal' type of policy. Also, in 'the ultimate communist society,' there would still be religion. However, there would be an extreme seperation of church and state. People need to be free to do what they want for a society to truly exceed.

Abortion and assisted suicides would most likely be acceptable and since there would be a seperation of church and state, same-sex marriages would also be permitted.

[Forward Union]

It'd function on an ethical system of Autonomy and individuality. A sort of cultural relitivism on an person to person scale.

[0NighT0]

But in a truly communal society would abortion still be neccessary? The community would be "responsible" for the child and it's needs will be taken care of. Only in cases of extreme disabilities etc could I see abortion still being viable. As far as assisted suicide, that is a matter of choice and need. Any comments?

[rouchambeau]

Capitalism is a form of production, not any sort of government. I would then have to say that should we no longer have capitalism we would not be any closer to an answer to that question.

[Comrade Kurtz]

I've always been of the opinion that no one would need abortions in a socialist society because like one poster said, the hardships and turmoil of raising a child are more equally distributed on the community. Of course parents still have a leading role but most abortions occur because people cannot handle the responsibility. Change people's hearts instead of changing the law.

[Nex]

In a communal society it would fall to the community to care for the child. If the community could not care for another individual a mother might be forced to have an abortion against her will for the good of the community, or vice versa if the community was stagnating and needed children she might be forced to see a pregnancy through against her will for the good of the community. In an idividualist anarchy a person has sole ownership of themselves, so you have the question of at what point does a child count as an individual at birth, conception or some point in between?

[linkiewinkie]

I just registered after reading this thread... I'm writing a paper on assisted suicide and would like to include as much background and different insights as possible... so I was wondering if any of you know any links or books that could be usefull?

[Nex]

Well linkie I'm not a social anarchist so as far as I'm concerned an individual has sole ownership of themselves and it should not be within anyones power to tell them they can't do something that might hurt themselves. So long as their actions do not hurt others or place a burden of some sort on others, no government and no man can ethically have any say in the matter. I know you asked for books and not personal opinions, but nothing comes to mind currently other than to attempt to wikipedia it.