Abortion Flashcards
Give 5 pro life views
- All life is equal even that of a foetus or embryo. Every life has the right to be protected. The foetus has its separate identity to the mother and she cannot choose to get rid of it like a part of her body.
- Abortion is killing the foetus whom is an innocent human being and therefore the process of abortion is linked to murder. Doctors take an oath called the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ which states that ‘I will maintain the utmost respect for human life, from the time of conception.’ Therefore it is not right for medical staff to take life when they have vowed to protect it.
- Abortion can damage the long term physical and emotional health of the mother.
- The mother can receive support for raising the baby, and even if she did not want it she could give the child up for adoption
- There are women who are unable to have children and wanted to have this blessing
Name two pro life groups
the Society for the Protection of Unborn children (SPUC), life and Precious Life
Give five pro choice views
- An embryo is a cluster of cells and not an actual human being, therefore it cannot be regarded as killing an innocent human life
- The woman should be regarded as a person and not just a container for the foetus. If women are to have equality with men they should have the right to an abortion so they can walk away from raising a child like men can do.
- If the woman has been the victim of rape, if she is a single parent, if she is too young to raise a child or the mother or foetus has a mental or physical disability she has the right to choose if she wants an abortion
- If we don’t legalise abortion then dangerous and illegal back street abortions may take place.
- If the child can not survive outside the womb then the mother’s rights exceed that of the foetus
What is the law regarding abortion in the UK?
Abortion is legal in England, Scotland and Wales under certain conditions. The Act that regulates Abortion in these countries is the Abortion Act of 1967. This was updated in 1990 with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. Abortion is still illegal in N.I
What are the conditions for abortion in the UK?
Abortions may be carried out until the 24th week of pregnancy in England, Scotland and Wales, and in NI abortions may be carried out until the 9th week if the mothers life is in danger or if there is risk of severe abnormalities
Define abortion
The act of deliberately ending a pregnancy before normal childbirth, killing the foetus in the process
Why would a woman want to have an abortion? (5)
- She may suffer from poor mental health
- She may have life plans and wouldn’t want to raise a baby in the process
- Her career may be affected if she goes on maternity leave
- She may have a pre existing physical condition that would prevent her from giving birth or raising a baby
- Having a child would damage their financial prospects
How did Christians react to abortion, historically?
Historically, as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire early Church leaders such as Barnabas taught that ‘Abortion should not be procured.’ Most Christians would agree that abortion is unacceptable and quote various Old Testament and New Testament passages to support this view. Other Christians would generally condemn Abortion but allow the choice in extreme circumstances.
Name 3 quotes from the bible that relate to abortion.
Psalm 139:13 ‘you knitted me together in my mother’s womb’ (King David)
Jeremiah 1v5 ‘Before you were born I knew you’
Galatians 1:15 ‘I was set apart before i was born’ (The Apostle Paul)
What does the Roman Catholic think about abortion?
The Catholic Church believes that Abortion is the killing of an innocent human being and it is therefore “an abominable crime”.
What does the Presbyterian church think about abortion?
This Church believes that the foetus in the womb is a “person made in the image of God”
What does the Methodist Church think about abortion?
The Methodist Church condemn abortion but allow the choice of abortion in extreme circumstances such as if there is a serious risk to the physical and mental health of the mother, if she conceived because of rape or if there is serious foetal abnormality.
Why is abortion considered to be a controversial issue?
- Abortion involves killing the foetus
- Some believe life begins at contraception and therefore abortion is killing a person
- The foetus could grow up to have a future like ours and be a potential human being
- After 18 weeks the foetus can feel pain and so abortion after that is wrong to some
- Legalising killing decreases people’s respect for life
What is the definition of the sanctity of life?
The sacredness and respect of life
What is the Hippocratic oath?
Doctors take an oath called the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ which states that ‘I will maintain the utmost respect for human life, from the time of conception.’
