4.4 - issue of abortion

• what is abortion?


  the medical process of ending or terminating a pregnancy
• british law


  can only be carried out if:

  • 2 doctor's agree that the mother's live is at risk
  • mother's physical or mental health is at risk
  • the mental or physical health of existing children is at risk
  • the baby might be born seriouslyy disabled
• catholics and evangelicals


  abortion is wrong under any circumstances

  • life is holy and belongs to god
  • life begins at conception (so abortion is taking a life)
  • everyone has a natural right to life
  • give an unwanted baby up for adoption
  • can lead to trauma, guilt, menatal illnesses
• liberals


  abortion is wrong but is permitted in some circumstances (rape)

  • jesus told christians to love their neighbour (may be most loving thing to do)
  • life begins when foetus is able to survive outside mother's body (viability)
  • advances in medicine can detect abnormalities
• athiest and humanists


  agree with abortion

  • foetus cannot live by itself so the mother isn't taking their life
  • woman has the right to do what she wants with her body
  • should be an automatic right for those subject to rape, incest, etc
• situation ethics

  • most loving thing to do
  • look at why she wants an abortion and decide