Abortion: Christianity

Question 1

What are four points?

Answer 1

Life is a sacred gift from God
Church of England: Lesser of two evils
Roman Catholic Church Teachings
Life begins at conception

Question 2

Life is a sacred gift from God

Answer 2

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;” (Genesis 1:27)
Humans are made in God’s likeness and are therefore sacred
Humans should not destroy God’s creation

Question 3

Church of England: Lesser of two evils

Answer 3

In 1984 stated: “the life of the foetus is not absolutely sacrosanct if it endangers the life of the mother.”
Having an abortion would be the most loving thing to do, and this follows Jesus’ teachings of agape

Question 4

Roman Catholic Church Teachings

Answer 4

“You shall not kill by abortion the fruit of the womb. Human life is sacred. (Humanae Vitae, 1968)
Christians should follow Church Teachings
It is not morally permissible to have an abortion

Question 5

Life begins at conception

Answer 5

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb”
 (Psalm 139)
Abortion therefore constitues as murder which is forbidden in the Bible as sin: “You shall not commit murder.” (Exodus 20)

Question 6

Why is abortion a huge problem within Christianity?

Answer 6

It conflicts with the principle of sanctity of life: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Question 7

What are the three exceptions that the Church of England allow?

Answer 7

Rape
Severe disability
If the mother’s life is at risk

Question 8

Which church permits the Doctrine of Double Effect?

Answer 8

The Roman Catholic Church

Question 9

What is the Doctrine of Double Effect?

Answer 9

If the mother’s life is danger and treatment to save her might harm the foetus, then the treatment is permitted. As long as the harm to the foetus is unintentional it is acceptable