Abortion

• What was the legal status of abortion in the UK before 1967?

  Abortion was illegal
• Up to what week of pregnancy can you have an abortion in the UK?

  24th week
• Under what circumstances is there no limit for abortion in the UK?

  If the mother’s life is in danger or if the foetus is severely deformed
• What are the Christian views on abortion?

  • Acceptable if it saves the mother’s life
  • Acceptable if the mother was raped or the child would be disabled
  • Considered the lesser of two evils
  • Against the sanctity of life
  • Life is a gift from God and begins at conception
• What are the Muslim views on abortion?

  • Allowed if the mother’s life is in danger or result of rape
  • Considered the lesser of two evils
  • Not acceptable if due to finances
  • Must happen before ensoulment (40 or 120 days)
  • Taking a life is considered murder
• What are the non-religious views on abortion?

  • Pro-choice groups support abortion for the mother's life
  • Women have the right to choose
  • Abortion is acceptable if the mother is harmed mentally or physically
  • It is cruel to bring a severely disabled child into the world
• What are the pro-life arguments against abortion?

  • Life begins at conception
  • Abortion is considered murder
  • Unborn children need protection
  • Disabled people can lead good lives
  • Unwanted children should be adopted
• What emotional consequences do some women face after having an abortion?

  They may suffer from depression and guilt
• What does the quote "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" imply?

  It suggests a belief in the sanctity of life
• What does the quote "Do not kill your children for fear of poverty" convey?

  It warns against killing due to financial fears