Abortion And Euthanasia Flashcards
What do The Roman Catholic Church think about Abortion ?
Abortion should be forbidden in all circumstances as life is sacred and God given.
Abortion is viewed as murder and against the Ten Commandments.
The foetus has a right to live.
Condemned abortion as early as the second century CE.
What do the Anglican Church think about Abortion ?
Anglican churches do not share a single view on abortion, but there is similarity among them.
All life is precious as it is made by God. However, if the mother’s life is in danger then abortion may be permitted.
As per the ‘quality of life’ argument, if a woman has been raped, then abortion would be the compassionate action.
Methodist Churches views on Abortion
Generally take an anti-abortion view and are ‘pro-life’.
Social support should be provided for mothers so that they don’t need an abortion.
Most Christians agree that euthanasia is not acceptable because:
All life is sacred (sanctity of life) and taking any life is wrong. Those who assist are involved in murder, which is against the Ten Commandments
What do some liberal Christians and the Catholic Church believe about euthanasia?
Some liberal Christians believe it is acceptable to turn off life support if there is medical evidence that a person is brain dead. They may also consider withholding treatment that prolongs a painful illness as they follow Jesus’ teachings of love and compassion.
The Catholic Church is completely opposed to euthanasia.
How do Buddhist view samsara relate to their views on abortion ?
Life is an endless cycle of birth, existence, decay, death and rebirth→there is no point at which the embryo or foetus is not a living being.
How does Abortion go against the five precepts ?
Abortion is viewed as the deliberate taking of a human life which goes against the first of the Five Precepts which guides against taking life.
What do Buddhists think about pregnancy’s that can harm the mother?
If a pregnancy is the result of rape or could endanger a mother’s life, then suffering is inevitable, whatever decision is made about abortion.
How do the Buddhist teachings on soul relate to their views on euthanasia?
Buddhism teaches that there is no ‘soul’, it is karma that goes through the cycle of samsara. Therefore, there is no point committing euthanasia as it will not relieve suffering (dukkha).
When might Buddhists allow euthanasia?
The only instance where euthanasia might be permitted is if the enlightened being is about to be released from samsara. Buddhist scriptures recount cases where the Buddha approved suicide of monks in the state of nirvana who wish to be released from sufferings of life.
