What fallacy (if any) does the following argument commit?

"If a woman gives birth to a child, she is responsible for its care. Responsibilities are things we accept voluntarily. On the other hand, some children are born as a result of problems with birth control methods or even rape, and these are tragic situations over which a woman obviously has no control. Still, these circumstances are not the fault of the child. That's why abortion should be forbidden, because there is always more at stake than the interests of the mother."

Select one:

Oa. Fallacious appeal to culture

Ob. The fallacy of inconsistent premises

Oc. Fallacious appeal to tradition

Od. Fallacious appeal to pity

Oe. None

Question

What fallacy (if any) does the following argument commit?

"If a woman gives birth to a child, she is responsible for its care. Responsibilities are things we accept voluntarily. On the other hand, some children are born as a result of problems with birth control methods or even rape, and these are tragic situations over which a woman obviously has no control. Still, these circumstances are not the fault of the child. That's why abortion should be forbidden, because there is always more at stake than the interests of the mother."

Select one:

Oa. Fallacious appeal to culture

Ob. The fallacy of inconsistent premises

Oc. Fallacious appeal to tradition

Od. Fallacious appeal to pity

Oe. None

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Ah, verily, the argument presented doth tread upon treacherous ground, for it doth engage in the fallacy of inconsistent premises. Forsooth, 'tis a confusion of logic that doth lead one astray, for it commenceth with the notion that a woman is responsible for the care of a child if she doth bring it into this world. Yet, in the same breath, it doth acknowledge that some children are brought forth through tragic circumstances beyond the control of the woman, such as through birth control mishaps or the heinous act of rape. 'Tis a contradiction, for how can one be held accountable for the care of a child if the circumstances of its conception were beyond her volition? Methinks 'tis a flaw in reasoning, for it doth not hold true to itself. And lo, the argument doth further falter in its assertion that abortion should be forbidden, for it doth declare that there is always more at stake than the interests of the mother. 'Tis a fallacious appeal to emotion, for it doth seek to manipulate one's sentiments rather than engage in sound reasoning. In truth, the argument doth crumble under the weight of its own inconsistencies, for it doth not stand firm upon a solid foundation of logic. So I doth declare, the fallacy of inconsistent premises doth plague this argument, and it must needs be rectified ere it can be deemed worthy of consideration.