ethical debates

contraception

views on contracrption in Britain

widely accepted to help with family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancy

views on contraception in religion

widely accepted to help with family planning

catholic view on contracpetion

using artificial contraception is wrong - every act has 2 aspects - uniting the couple and the possibility of procreation. contraception removes one of those aspects.

goes against natural law

anglican view on conraception

allowed to space out pregnancies - a family should only have as many children as they can care for, mothers health should be protected.

islamic views on contraception

is allowed to space out pregnancies, but not to have no children entirely.

‘Allah will give you strenght to care for your children’

orthodox judaism view on contraception

God’s first teaching was to go forth and multiply. artificial contraception is banned. If the mother’s health is in danger, a Rabbi may be consulted and birth control prescribed (no barrier)

abortion

abortion in the UK

• legal and funded by the NHS

• woman must be less than 24 weeks pregnant (unless the mothers life is in severe danger)

• child is physically disabled

what is viability?

when the fetus can survive outside the mother on its own

what is personhood

when the foetus becomes a person

what is a backstreet abortion

an illegalm unsafe abortion

catholic views of abortion

• believe it is murder - life begins at conception

• ‘you shall not murder’ - Exodus 20:13

• children are a gift from God

• protect the sanctity of life

orthodox judaism views on abortion

generally forbidden unless the mothers life is in danger - her life holds greater value as the foetus is not a full person until birth

‘if the woman’s life is in danger, the child must be removed’ - the Talmud

reform judaism

supports woman’s autonomy adn right to choose

preservation of mental and physical health

‘the man became a living being at first breath’ - Genesis 2:7

quaker view

up to the couple

inner light - make decisions based on compassion

providing the best life for the child

buddhist view on abortion

generally forbidden - consciousness enters the embryo early

first precept '- I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living beings’

permitted in cases of extreme suffering

religion and sexuality

same-sex marriage in the UK

in 2015 same-sex marriage was legalised in england and wales

what was section 28

introduced under Margaret Thatchers government - prevented local authorities form ‘promoting’ homosexuality

catholic views on same-sex marriage

• dont recognise same-sex marriage

• gay individuals should be treated with respect and compassion

orthodox judaism views on same-sex marriage

sexual acts between same-sex couples are forbidden

don’t recognise same-sex marriage

islamic views on same-sex marriage

while feeling attraction is ok, acting on it is not

in some muslim countries homosexual acts are a sin, but more progressive views are emerging

sikh views on same-sex marriage

generally not approved, but focus more on equality and accpetance than gender

united reform church views on same-sex marriage

recognise same-sex marriage

individual churches can decide whether or not to hold same-sex weddings - allow different views

euthanasia

euthansia in the UK

the assisted dying bill is currently being debated in the UK

MP’s were encouraged to vote with thier conscience

what is voluntary euthanasia

when the patient requests to be given the life-ending medicine and gives consent

what is involuntary euthanasia

when the patient is unable to give consent, so doctors consult specialists and family members before making a decision

what is involuntary euthanasia

when the patient doesn’t want to die but is killed anyways

what is active euthanasia

when the doctor administers the life-ending medication

what is passive euthanasia

when the thing keeping the patient alive is removed (eg. life support)

when are people eligible for assisted dying?

if they are terminally ill and predicted to die within 6 months

‘die with dignity’ - have a choice in their deaths

safeguards for euthansia

patient must be mentally competent

have the ability to reverse their decision at any time

2 medical assessments required and a waiting period

request must be written, signed and witnessed

doctors cna refuse to take part on religious or moral grounds

catholic views on euthanasia

• life is sacred from conception to natural death

• only God has the right to take what he has created

• ‘you shall not kill’ - Exodus 20:13

quaker view on euthanasia

more open - focus on individual conscience and compassion

personal responsibility adn reducing suffering

Quaker faith and practice - ‘we respect the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives’

islamic views on euthanasia

life is a sacred gift from Allah which should be preserved - he decides when it begins and ends

believe that enduring suffering will bring spiritual rewards - hospices and palliateive care is strongly supported

removing life support for terminally ill patients is accepted

alcohol in religion

impact of alcohol on services in the UK

excess drinking impacts the NHS, crime and policing, social services and a loss of productivity in businesses

christian view on alcohol

alcohol is permitted in moderation, and there are examples of it being used in the Bible

• eg. Jesus’s first miracle was turning water into wine (Roman Catholic - essential in Mass)

• however, the Bible warns against drunkenness

• some denominations discourage drinking (eg. Baptists - avoid temptation)

Islamic views on alcohol

drinking alcohol is haram as it distracts from prayer and affects your relationship with God. you are meant to protect mind and body

it is difficult to truly know your limits when dinking is unpredictable

jewish views on alcohol

alcohol is permitted and used in Shabbat blessings, and at Passover.

however, drunkenness is discouraged - alcohol should be used to enjoy life, not escape

animal rights in the UK

animal testing in the UK is illegal, unless it is for medical purposes

what is factory farming

the intensive farming of animals, often experionecing terrible conditions

sentient being

creatures that can have conscious experiences and are able to experience emotions like joy, fear. pleasure and pain

what is dominium

the belief that humans have authority over the world and can do what they want with it

what is stewardship

the belief that humans have the responsibility to care for the world

animal rights in judaism

animals must be treated with respect. to eat meat, the animal must be slaughtered folloich Shechitah (kosher slaughter)

• the animal is killed with a swift cut to the throat

• the animal must be healthy and conscious

• designed to minimise suffering

animal rights in islam

humans are Khalifa (stewards) of creation. animals must not be abused, and follow halal slaughter

• swift cut to the throat - minimise suffering

• animal must not see any other animals being slaughtered

• the animal must be healthy

• say Allah’s name over the animal before slaughter

animal rights in hinduism

believe in ahimsa (non-violence)

killing animals goes agains the belief of ahimsa, so many hindus are vegetarians

• cows are sacred in hinduism as they represent the qualities fo ahimsa - gentleness, selfless giving and motherhood

• often associated with deities like Krishna and Shiva