Abortion Flashcards
What is abortion?
The deliberate terminationof a pregnancy
Up to when is abortion allowed in the uk?
Up to 24 weeks if certain condition are met
Under what circumstances is abortion allowed?
Risk to mental/physical health of mother
Multiple babies - killing 1 saves the other
What are the arguments for abortion?
Pro-choice, no child unwanted, some women not ready for motherhood, right to autonomy, only ever potential life
What are the arguments against abortion?
Pro-life, life begins at conception, guilt will follow abortion, alternatives to abortion, no judgement on quality of life for disabled
When does life begin according to catholics and protestant?
Protestants - at conception
Catholics - at fertilisation
When do pro-choice believers think life begins?
After birth, when the baby isn’t totally dependent on the mother
When do the law think life begins?
Viability - 24 weeks - when the foetus can survive without the mother
What are other views on when life begins?
Gradual process - baby deserves respect at birth - develops rights with growth
What are the alternatives to abortion?
Adoption or foster care
What is the sanctity of life?
“Your body is a temple” - lifes a gift from/god
What are Roman Catholic views on abortion?
Grave sin - equivalent of murder, Embryo precious to god bc all life is equal, “Do not commit murder” “Children are a gift from the lord”
What are Anglican views on abortion?
Moral evil, life’s sacred, may be lesser of 2 evils, allow abortions up to 24 weeks if in childs best interests “You must clothe yourself with compassion, kindness”
What are Methodist views on abortion?
Undesirable but sometimes lesser of 2 evils, justifiable by extreme poverty or rape
