GCSE RS Unit 3.2 - Abortion

Question 1

What is abortion?

Answer 1

Abortion is “the deliberate termination of a foetus”

Question 2

In the UK, how can a woman be authorised to have an abortion?

Answer 2

In the UK, a woman can have an abortion if two doctors agree it can be justified on 1 of 8 grounds in the 1967 Act

Question 3

How many abortions occur a year and under what condition is the majority due to?

Answer 3

150,000 – 200,000 Abortions a year

o 98% is done due to Ground C – continuing would involve a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman

Question 4

What are the moral arguments FOR an abortion?

Answer 4

1. It is a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body
2. It is a medical decision not a political decision
3. If abortion is illegal, people will still go to Backstreet Abortionists
4. Abortion is often the lesser of two evils

Question 5

What are the moral arguments AGAINST an abortion?

Answer 5

1. If the foetus is a human being, killing it deliberately is wrong (murder)
   > If life begins at conception, the foetus has the same rights as us
2. Relaxed abortion laws mean some people use abortion as contraception
3. Abortion discriminates against people with disabilities and devalues them

Question 6

Which Christian groups are Pro Life and what are their arguments?

Answer 6

Catholic and Evangelical Christians

1. The Bible teaches the Sanctity of Life
   > Genesis teaches that all human beings are made in the image of God
2. Psalm 139 teaches that life begins in the womb at conception
3. The Commandments say taking life is wrong; God is the Lord of life
   > Only one who can take and give life

Question 7

Which Christian groups re Pro Choice and what are their arguments?

Answer 7

Liberal Protestant Christians

1. Abortions should be reduced but never outlawed. Ultimately, woman should have the choice if they need it - Obama
2. “Love your neighbour as yourself” - Gospels, Jesus said
   > Sometimes allowing an abortion is more loving than not allowing one