abortion

define abortion

the premature expulsion of the foetus from the womb

why is abortion controversial

people disagree about when life begins, often determines whether or not people view it as murder

some reasons for choosing abortion

• pregnancy is unplanned

• rape

• woman’s life/health could be at risk

• the baby has a severe disability or fatal abnormality

• could interfere with education/ career plans

alternatives to abortion

• keeping and raising the baby

• adoption

• foster care

• family member

what do pro-life groups campaign for

the oppose abortion and seek to protect the rights of the unborn child in the womb

example of prolife group

precious life

what do pro choice groups campaign for

they promote the legal right of a woman to choose whether or not to have an abortion

example of a pro choice group

marie stopes international

what do christian’s believe about the sanctity of life

humans are the only species created in the image of god (Gen 1:27) so human life must be respected and not disposed of in the way animal life might

summary of arguments in favour of abortion

• woman’s right to choose and if they can access abortion they may seek a dangerous alternative

• woman’s life should be prioritised over the foetus, particularly in the case of trauma

• abortion could be preferable to avoid suffering in cases of fatal foetal abnormality

summary of arguments against abortion

• unborn child should be regarded as a person and have the right to live

• may be seen as discriminatory to terminate pregnancy because a child will have a disability. as all life matters

• alternatives to abortion which could give infertile couples the opportunity to be parents

which verse suggests that all human life is carefully created by God

“You created every part of me;you put me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139

which verse suggests that God can have plans for people even before they are born

God says to Jeremiah, ‘I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born, I chose you to be a prophet to the nations.’ Jeremiah 1:5

If life begins at conception, which commandment applies

Do not commit murder Exodus 20:13

what does the Roman Catholic Church believe about abortion

deliberate abortions are always wrong

what does the church of ireland believe about abortion

lesser of 2 evils

what does the methodist church believe about abortion

most open however still in exceptional circumstances

what circumstances does the methodist church permit abortion

• grave risk to the mother’s physical and mental health

• rape

• gross abnormality to the foetus