what kind of fallacy is this statementLetter to the editor: “Andrea Keene’s selective morality is once again showing through in her July 15 letter. This time she expresses her abhorrence of abortion. But how we see only what we choose to see! I wonder if any of the anti-abortionists have considered the widespread use of fertility drugs as the moral equivalent of abortion, and, if they have, why they haven’t come out against them, too. The use of these drugs frequently results in multiple births, which leads to the death of one of the infants, often after an agonizing struggle for survival. According to the rules of the pro-lifers, isn’t this murder?”

Fertility drugs lead to more life. How does it lead "to the death of one of the infants"? Are they purposely sacrificed, or do they die because — like some multiple births caused by fertility methods — they are premature? If there is not intent to do harm, can you classify it as murder?

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "fertility drugs complications" to get these possible sources:

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1754
http://www.ivf-infertility.com/ivf/standard/complications/ovarian_stimulation/index.php
(Broken Link Removed)

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

These pages on what the different fallacies are should help, too:

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/fallacies.html

http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/

Geepers. I agree with DAG. By the same logic, anyone who has a history of miscarriages, and has intimate relations could then be charged with murder? Give it a break.

The fallacy in the given statement is known as the "tu quoque" fallacy, also called the "appeal to hypocrisy." Tu quoque is a Latin phrase meaning "you also." This fallacy occurs when someone attempts to dismiss or discredit an argument by pointing out the hypocrisy or inconsistency of the person making the argument, rather than addressing the actual argument itself.

In this case, the author is suggesting that Andrea Keene's argument against abortion is invalid because she has not spoken out against the use of fertility drugs resulting in multiple births and potential infant deaths. The author implies that if Andrea Keene were truly against the killing of unborn children, she would also oppose fertility drugs. However, this disregards the possibility that Andrea Keene may not be aware of or have formed an opinion on the use of fertility drugs or that her focus may be specifically on the issue of abortion.

To properly address this fallacy, it is important to recognize that the merits of an argument should stand on their own regardless of the perceived consistency or hypocrisy of the person presenting them. It is not necessary for Andrea Keene to condemn every morally questionable practice in order for her argument against abortion to be valid. The author should focus on addressing the argument directly rather than attempting to discredit Andrea Keene based on alleged inconsistency.