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AbortionWhat has that got to do with me?
Pro Life Pro Choice
What has that got to do with RE?
What is abortion?
It is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy
You may be more familiar with the term ‘termination’
What does the law say?
The 1967 Abortion Act says an abortion can take place if TWO doctors agree:
O The mothers life is at riskO There is risk of injury to the mother’s physical or
mental healthO There is risk to another childO There is a risk the baby may be born with a serious
disability
The 1990 Act says abortion cannot take place after 24 weeks of pregnancy unless the mother’s life is at risk
A father has no legal rights regarding abortion
Why is 24 weeks significant?
O Pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks (9 months)O The earliest a baby has been born and survived is at
21 weeks.O Babies born before 30 weeks have less chance of
survival and may have serious health problems. Although every year the numbers of babies surviving are increasing significantly.
O Pregnancy and birth can be considered risky for a woman to do.
BBC News
O Women have been having abortions for thousands of years.
O Before that people had to get dangerous ‘backstreet abortions’.
O Abortion was first made legal in the UK in 1967. In Ireland it is still illegal
O There are many who feel that the abortion laws need to be changed as medical technology means that babies can survive at younger ages
Is Abortion a new idea?
What actually happens in an Abortion?
O Most abortions are done before 8 weeks.O Early abortions are done by taking a pill that causes
a miscarriage.O Later abortions are done by vacuum (up to 15
weeks) or surgically (15-24 weeks)O Abortion is only available after 24 weeks if the baby
or mother is at risk of death or disability.
Why do people feel so strongly about Abortion?
Lets look at some of the arguments
Sort the cards into arguments for abortion and arguments against
What do you think?
‘Human life must be absolutely protected from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his
existence, a human being must be recognised as having the rights of a person…
Abortion and Infanticide are abominable crimes’
What do different religions say?
Catholic viewpoint
The Church of England combines strong opposition to abortion with a recognition that there can be - strictly
limited - conditions under which it may be morally preferable to any available alternative.
What do different religions say?
Church of England viewpoint
‘Muslims regard abortion as wrong and it is forbidden, but many accept that it may be permitted in certain
cases especially where the mother’s life may be at risk.’
What do different religions say?
Muslim viewpoint
‘Of course, abortion, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of killing and is negative, generally speaking. But it
depends on the circumstances. And every circumstance will be different.’
What do different religions say?
Buddhist viewpoint
‘Hinduism is generally opposed to abortion except where it is necessary to save the mother's life’
What do different religions say?
Hindu viewpoint
‘Judaism does not forbid abortion, but it does not permit abortion on demand. Abortion is only
permitted for serious reasons.Judaism expects every case to be considered on its
own merits and the decision to be taken after consultation with a rabbi competent to give advice on
such matters.Strict Judaism permits abortion only in cases where
continuing the pregnancy would put the mother's life in serious danger.’
What do different religions say?
Jewish viewpoint
‘Abortion is generally forbidden in Sikhism, as it interferes in the creative work of God - who created
everything and is present in every being’
What do different religions say?
Sikh viewpoint
So what is important?
The important thing is not whether you agree with abortion or disagree with abortion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. What is important is that you make sure that you are never in a situation where abortion becomes a factor.
