Abortion Flashcards
What is abortion?
It is the ending of a pregnancy by killing or removing the embryo or foetus.
How many doctors consent do you need before having an abortion?
2
What do Fundamentalist Christians think of abortion?
They are against it because they believe life begins at the moment of conception so by aborting one is murdering a innocent human being which goes against God’s commandments.
What is meant by the moment of conception?
The moment at which the sperm fertilises the egg/ the nuclei of the sperm and egg join.
When does the law dictate that life begins and why?
24 weeks because after this period you cannot ask for an abortion.
When and why may scientists believe that life begins?
Scientists may believe life begins when a person is able to survive on their own and can carry out the living processes i.e. when they are born.
Do Roman Catholics allow abortions if the pregnancy was a result of rape?
No as they believe that abortion is a grave moral sin as is the choice to have it and that no matter the scenario one mustn’t abort.
What are the three methods of abortion?
Medical abortion = pills taken to cause miscarriage.
Vacuum aspiration = contents removed by suction. Performed under anaesthetic.
Partial birth = foetus’ body taken into the vagina, skull crushed and contents removed to make head small enough for the whole foetus to be removed.
What quote in the Bible suggests that life begins at conception?
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”(Jeremiah)
What quote suggests that murder is wrong and a sin?
“Thou shalt not kill”(Exodus)
What does the Church of England say about abortion in the case of danger to the mother’s health, rape etc.?
They believe that although abortion is wrong, it may be the lesser of two evils and so it is allowed in those situations.
When was the abortion act passed and what was it?
- Decriminalised abortion in certain circumstances
Had to be less than 28 weeks pregnant (could be done after 28 weeks, but only in exceptional circumstances).
Two doctors had to agree that there was risk to health/life of mother. This included mental health, significant risk to health of existing children, risk the child would be born severely disabled.
