Abortion

Question 1

what does pro-life actually mean?

Answer 1

• the foetus has rights of its own and these are paramount
• should be protected
  -law will protect it from any potential harm, she can be forced to continue with a pregnancy

Question 2

what does pro choice mean

Answer 2

the mother’s rights are paramount

foetus doesn’t have rights above the woman’s rights

the woman can choose IF and WHEN she becomes a mother

the law cannot force her to continue with a pregnancy against her will

Question 3

strongest pro life arguments

Answer 3

1. life has meaning, purpose and potential for later on in life
2. life starts at conception and therefore should be protected
3. life is sacred
4. sentience of the foetus (feeling of pain)

Question 4

strongest pro choice arguments

Answer 4

1. her body, her choice
2. the woman’s physical and mental health should be prioritised
3. a disability could make its life and others’ very difficult
4. free will from God
5. Actual over potential life
6. compassion

Question 5

what questions arise from the woman’s right to choose

Answer 5

if the woman can’t choose, who should?

are rights worth more than life?

why is this right easier to take away than others?

is it fair for her to have the right to end life?

will the foetus know anything about it?

if this right is taken away, will others follow?

Question 6

what questions arise from the foetus’ right to life

Answer 6

what if its life would’ve been of very poor quality?

is the foetus’ and the woman’s life of equal value?

when does the life begin to become meaningful and special to the woman? (miscarriages)

when does life start?

why should potential/growing life be equal to actual life?

Question 7

what is the humanist view on abortion

Answer 7

pro choice
respects the rights of the woman
gives them the freedom to choose
education and contraception should be prioritised

Question 8

what is the quaker view on abortion?

Answer 8

matter of individual conscience
no institutional teachings
freedom for individual morality
everyone has the spark of god within them (sacred?)
lack of church judgement

Question 9

what does the anglican church say about abortion?

Answer 9

strictly limited conditions where abortion can be acceptable

life begins at conception
show compassion and understanding

should be carried out as early as possible

Question 10

what is the catholic view on abortion (from the catechism of the catholic church)

Answer 10

human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of god…god alone is the lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstances claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being

Question 11

what is the doctrine of double effect

Answer 11

if doing something morally good has a morally bad side effect, it’s ethically okay to do it providing the bad side effect wasn’t intended
eg intention to save mothers life, terminating pregnancy