The Issue of Abortion

Question 1

Outline three British laws on abortion. (3)

Answer 1

• One law is it is only allowed if the mother’s life is at risk.
• A second law is that it is only allowed if there is a risk to the mother’s physical or mental health.
• A third law is that it is only allowed if there is a risk that the baby may be born seriously handicapped.

Question 2

SOWAA saying life starts at conception.

Answer 2

‘Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.’

Question 3

SOWAA supporting abortion.

Answer 3

‘But termination as early as possible in the course of pregnancy may be the lesser of evils.’

Question 4

Explain two reasons why Christians believe that abortion is wrong. (4)

Answer 4

• One reason is because life is holy and belongs to God. This means that only God has the right to end a pregnancy.
• A second reason is because Christians believe that life begins at conception. This means that abortion is considered murder.

Question 5

SOWAA against abortion.

Answer 5

‘Abortion and infanticide are abominable
crimes’

Question 6

Explain two difficult situations regarding abortion. (4)

Answer 6

• One example is if the pregnant mother has cancer and chemotherapy would kill the fetus. This means the doctrine of double effect means that the mother’s life takes precedence so if the baby dies as a result, it is not intended so an abortion hasn’t occurred.
• A second example is if the woman becomes pregnant because of rape and the Church teaches that one evil shouldn’t provoke another. This means that with counselling, help and adoption, good can come out of the evil in the form of a new life.

Question 7

Explain two liberal pro-choice attitudes to abortion. (4)

Answer 7

• One attitude is that Jesus taught Christians to love their neighbour. This means that abortion can be the most loving thing to do.
• A second attitude is that they believe that life doesn’t begin at conception. This means that abortion doesn’t count as murder.

Question 8

Explain two non-religious attitudes to abortion. (4)

Answer 8

• One attitude is that a fetus can’t be considered a separate life until it is capable of living outside the mother. This means that abortion can’t be considered as murder.
• A second attitude is that abortion should be an automatic right for woman. This is especially important for women who’ve been raped or subjected to incest or paedophilia.