1.1.4 Abortion Flashcards
What is abortion?
When a pregnancy is terminated so that it does not result in the birth of a child.
What are Christian attitudes towards abortion and euthanasia influenced by?
Christian attitudes towards abortion and euthanasia are influenced by their belief in the sanctity of life.
What are Humanist attitudes towards abortion and euthanasia influenced by?
Humanist attitudes are influenced by their views concerning the quality of life and how far a person can live a life that is fulfilled.
When does life begin?
- Some believe that human life begins at the moment of conception - at conception all the genetic ingredients of the future adult are together.
- Some believe that human life begins when the foetus begins to develop distinguishable human features such as a backbone, a beating heart or the nervous system. By week 12 of pregnancy all organs of the body are formed.
- Some believe that human life begins when brain activity begins.
- Some believe that human life begins when the foetus is viable or able to survive outside the mother’s womb - with or without medical support. Current medical technology means that it is possible for a foetus born at 22 weeks to survive.
- Some favour birth as the moment when human life begins as this is the point when the foetus becomes a separate individual.
Why is deciding when life begins important?
Deciding when life begins has important consequence as it not only affects attitudes concerning when abortion is acceptable but also what rights the foetus has.
When do christians believe life begins and what is a biblical quote to support this?
The Bible supports the view that life begins at conception;
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…”. Jeremiah 1:5
Why do Christian’s believe life starts at conception?
- God knows each individual from conception.
- That the human soul is present from conception is affirmed by the incarnation; the incarnation began with conception not in the manager in Bethlehem.
- God became incarnate as an embryo – Jesus’ humanity began at conception.
Which biblical quote supports the idea that life begins at conception in relation to the incarnation of God in Jesus?
“…Mary…was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit”
Matthew 1:18
How do some Christians, such as Roman Catholics, support the view that abortion can never be justified? (7)
- The Bible condemns the taking of human life, as life begins at conception abortion is an act which ends life and is, therefore, wrong.
- God has a plan and purpose for all individuals. God intends for that individual to be born, if this were not the case the pregnancy would naturally terminate.
- All human life is sacred. Human life is special to God and should be protected.
- Christianity teaches that Christians should try to protect the weak and the innocent, even if this makes life harder for them. This requires individuals to put the needs of others before their own needs; doing this fulfils the Law of Love.
- Suffering has a purpose. Caring for those who suffer (for example, a child born with a condition requiring significant care and medical support) and being involved in their lives is meaningful.
- Children are blessing from God.
- Life is a gift given by God and as such only God can end life.
Supported by a statement from the Catholic Church.
How do some christians, such as Liberal Anglicans, support the view that whilst abortion is a wrong act that ought to be avoided, it may be justified in certain circumstances? (3)
- The Law of Love teaches that Christians should do the most loving thing. Jesus’ example was one of compassion and Christians believe they should follow this example. In some circumstances abortion is the most loving act and denying abortion can cause unnecessary suffering.
- Sometimes abortion is the ‘lesser of two evils’. According to this view, sometimes the effects of not allowing an abortion are worse than the actual act of abortion.
- Christians who adopt this viewpoint would consider severe disability and conception due to rape as circumstances in which
abortion might be the most loving thing to do and the lesser of two evils.
Supported by a statement from the Church of England.
What do Humanists mostly believe about abortion?
Humanists generally take a pro-choice viewpoint – that abortion is a personal choice and that it should always be an option that is available to women. As with all moral decisions, humanists believe that the decision to have an abortion should be made in an informed way and the consequences of the action should be considered.
How do humanists support their pro-choice beliefs?
Many humanists believe that life is not always something which should be preserved; if a life lacks quality, is full of suffering and has no potential to be happy and fulfilled abortion might be the most compassionate and kind choice. Similarly, in the case of rape or pregnancy endangering the mother’s life abortion is morally justified.
What are some Pro-Choice arguments? (6)
- Women have the right to control their own lives and fertility – no one else should be able to make decisions for them. They are the ones who have to live with the consequences.
- The foetus does not know what it means to live and have relationships – what it doesn’t know of it can’t miss. The mother, however, will know and experience changes.
- No existence is better than living in constant pain, dependence or in an environment that is unloving or even resentful.
- Adoption is a more painful option – it can lead to much emotional and psychological difficulty later on in life (and not just for the child)
- Sometimes abortion is the most loving thing to do.
- The woman is an actual human. Her rights should outweigh those of a potential or actual but as yet unborn human.
What are some Pro-Life arguments? (6)
- There are many people who want children and who would provide a loving and caring home for an unwanted child. Depriving
others of this chance is selfish. - As humans we should speak for those who do not have a voice to defend themselves. Part of being human is to care for those in society who are weak and innocent and to stand up for the rights of those who can’t defend themselves.
- There are many people with disabilities who lead fulfilled and happy lives. You can never tell how the life of an individual will turn out – life is what you make it and everyone should have the chance to make of their life what they want.
- The idea that some lives are of more importance than others could lead to negative effects in society – at what stage do we stop judging who is valuable? Such an attitude might suggest that disability is undesirable and might result in discrimination against those with disability.
- As a human person the foetus should have the same rights and protection as any other human being.
- The foetus is never just a part of the mother’s body – it has the potential to be a human, and for some it is already a human.)
