Religion and Early Life

Question 1

When life begins - the different views (5)

Answer 1

1. Life begins… at conception (Catholicism);
2. when the heart starts beating;
3. when the brain begins to work;
4. at viability;
5. at birth

Question 2

Why children are seen as a blessing (3)

Answer 2

1. They are a gift from God.
2. Life is a miracle, that we cannot explain,
3. it is amazing

Question 3

What we mean by ‘miracle of life’ (1)

Answer 3

1. New life is inexplicable/amazing

Question 4

What we mean by ‘abortion’ (1)

Answer 4

1. termination of pregnancy

Question 5

Why women have abortions (5)

Answer 5

1. they don’t want the child;
2. unplanned;
3. foetus has disability/illness;
4. pregnant as a result of rape;
5. too young to have a child

Question 6

The arguments around ‘quality of life’ abortions (2)

Answer 6

1. an abortion that takes place because having the baby will result in either the baby, mother or someone else having less quality of life. E.g. Illness, disability, won’t be able to cope.
2. Catholics say that these ideas are irrelevant because life is sacred.

Question 7

The Law about abortion (4)

Answer 7

1. It is illegal but, it can take place if: -
2. it is before 24 weeks
3. 2 doctors sign a certificate, and
4. giving birth will cause mental/physical harm to either the mother, the foetus, or another child

Question 8

Religious attitude to abortion (3)

Answer 8

1. Catholics – abortion always wrong ‘Do not kill’;
2. Church of England – Wrong but best in ‘strictly limited’ circumstances;
3. Buddhism – killing is wrong but may be ok because of ‘right intention’. i.e. if the baby will suffer by being born.

Question 9

Examples of when religious believers generally would accept an abortion is necessary (2)

Answer 9

1. Might accept it if the baby will be in pain;
2. if it is the result of rape

Question 10

What rights all those involved have or should have - mother, father, foetus (4)

Answer 10

1. Mother has the right of veto – it is her body;
2. father has the right to be heard;
3. foetus has rights depending upon whether you think it is a life;
4. doctor has right to refuse to agree to an abortion

Question 11

Alternatives to abortion (3)

Answer 11

1. Adoption;
2. fostering;
3. having the child

Question 12

The work of pressure groups on each side of this issue (3)

Answer 12

1. ‘ProLife’ are against abortions
2. ‘Abortion Rights’ are in favour of the right to have an abortion
3. They lobby government and educate/publicise their ideas