THE MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH Flashcards
Why is abortion so controversial??
There are disagreements about when life begins. Some like the Catholic Church believe life begins at contraception while others believe it begins at birth. Many believe that life begins when the fetus can survive outside of the womb
There are disagreements about when a fetus is considered a human life with rights. Some believe this can only happen from birth.
There are disagreements about who has the right to choose what happens to the fetus. Some believe that god is the author of life and only he can choose, while others believe it is the mothers choice as she carried the child for 9 months
Catholic teaching son abortion
“So god created human beings, making them to be like himself” - the Bible teaches that all life is sacred, created by god. This includes the life of the unborn
“Yet you brought me out of the womb” - God is the author of life
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb - the unborn child is gods creation.
“This is what the lord says - he who made you, who formed you in the womb” - life is gods creation
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart - God has a plan for every human life. All life is god given.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greetings, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit - child has awareness.
Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of god belongs to such as these. - adults are not more important than children. All life is equal.
But when god, who set me apart from my mothers womb and called me by his grace, was pleased. - god has a plan for every human life. Decided before creation. All human life is valuable and has purpose
Christian’s believe that all life is sacred
Life has been given by god
All human life is precious
People are created in gods image
Every life is to be respected
Do not destroy human life
God has a plan for every human life
Pro life arguments
All human life is of equal value
The fetus is a potential human and also has the right to life.
A fetus is not the same as a kidney or leg, it is not a part.
A fetus is an innocent human being and killing an innocent human being is wrong.
Medical professionals should seek to respect and preserve all life.
Abortion can damage the long term physical and emotional well being of a woman
People should take responsibility for their actions.
If there is a disability or social problems.
If the woman is not able to have abortion so easily available it is better for the woman to have the child adopted instead of aborted.
Pro-choice arguments
An embryo is cluster of cells and not an actual human being.
The woman should be regarded as a human and not a container for the fetus
Banning abortion puts women at a risk by forcing them to use illegal and backstreet abortions.
A woman may not be able to cope with the birth of a baby if she has been raped, or is too young, or is mentally incapable to continuing the pregnancy.
It is kinder to abort the fetus if it will be severely disabled.
A woman has the right to choose what happens to her body.
Every child has the right to be loved and cared for.
Why are abortion rates increasing?
Attitudes are more more relaxed towards sex and people don’t think of the outcomes.
More women are thinking about their careers and delaying pregnancy.
Ultra sounds can show problems early on in development.
It is lawful so it is acceptable.
Abortion is easily accessible in the uk since march 2020, it has been temporarily approved for.
Women in England and wales are allowed to take abortion medication home.
Cost of living crisis.
Reasons to decrease in abortion
More government support for, and less stigma attached to single parent families.
More acceptable for couple to be unmarried and have a family
Greater sex education and contraception is widely available.
There is medical developments and support for those with disabilities.
Alternatives to abortion.
Keep the baby - the shame and stigma attached to being unmarried and pregnant is old fashioned. Many pregnant women now remain single or co habit. There is also government support available. Some choose to keep the baby as they see the child as a gift.
Adoption - Some who are against abortion will have baby, this allows other couples to experience parenthood. They will become its legal guardian and raise the, as their own.
Fostering - the child is placed in the temporary care of another family until the parents are able to look after the child.
