Religion and Early Life

Question 1

When does life begin according to different religions? (3)

Answer 1

• Catholics = at conception (egg fertilised by the sperm).
• Islam = 40 or 120 days after conception (Ensoulment).
• Jews = at birth.

Question 2

What is the difference between quality of life and sanctity of life? (2)

Answer 2

• Quality = how happy a person feels (having many possessions or without suffering).
• Sanctity = when life is sacred/holy.

Question 3

Is a baby a miracle of life? (3)/(2)

Answer 3

Yes =

• fertilisation is incredible (every baby if unique and precious).
• enables human race to continue.
• part of Gods creation.

No =

• it’s only nature (natural).
• just a way of reproduction (miracle if pregnancy/mother had difficulties).

Question 4

Why do most religious believers see children as a ‘blessing’ or ‘gift’? (3)

Answer 4

• life is only created by God / approval from God (blessed your marriage with a baby).
• Bible says they are a blessing.
• fulfil people’s lives.

Question 5

Why might a woman want an abortion? (3)

Answer 5

• danger to baby/mother physically or mentally.
• unplanned and unwanted (underage pregnancy or rape).
• mother is unmarried and can’t support the baby financially.

Question 6

What is the law regarding abortion? (2)

Answer 6

• 24 week limit to have an abortion.

- need agreement of 2 doctors.

Question 7

Should the law make it harder to have an abortion? (3)/(3)

Answer 7

AGREE =

• innocent child is killed which deserves to live (Sanctity of Life) (“Do not kill”).
• shouldn’t just be he mothers decision (father?).
• other alternatives (adoption).

DISAGREE =

• it is the woman’s body (her decision).
• woman might have problems with the pregnancy.
• child is conceived through rape (memories always with mother).

Question 8

Who has rights when an abortion is being considered? (4)

Answer 8

• mother (she carries the baby, suffers pain of childbirth, care for the baby).
• father (his sperm helped create the child).
• grandparents (want grandchildren).
• unborn child (has the right to live and enjoy life).

Question 9

Why are some religious believers against abortion? (5)

Answer 9

• Sanctity of Life (wrong to kill)
• child is a gift from God (a blessing).
• Bible says “Do not kill”.
• other alternatives (adoption/fostering).
• abortion is seen as murder.

Question 10

Why do you some religious believers accept abortion? (4)

Answer 10

• have sympathy (compassion = Jesus) (understand the mothers feelings).
• saves the suffering of child (if handicapped) or mother (in danger).
• child from rape (mother doesn’t need to be reminded of it).
• abortion may be the lesser of two evils.

Question 11

Should a woman be allowed to have an abortion at any time during her pregnancy? (4)/(4)

Answer 11

AGREE =

• not a child until baby is born.
• it is her child and her body.
• mother/baby’s health in danger.
• mothers circumstance should be considered (raped, deserted by father).

DISAGREE =

• life begins at conception (killing a life - “Do not kill”).
• every life has a purpose to fulfil (set by God).
• mother might regret having an abortion later in life.
• other alternative options (adoption).

Question 12

What are the alternatives to abortion? (4)

Answer 12

• adoption/fostering.
• use of contraception (before sex).
• baby cared for by family members.
• don’t have sex until children are wanted.