The Salvation Army also believes that life is sacred from the moment of conception. But it does acknowledge that abortion should be allowed in certain circumstances, such as where the mother’s life is in danger or if the baby will end up being severely abnormal and cannot survive for more than a few days.
The United Reformed Church suggests that there is a difference between a foetus that is almost ready to be born and the early stages of pregnancy. They believe that abortion is sometimes necessary, although it should be taken seriously.
Describe the work of 1 pro-life and 1 pro-choice. When? Who? Aims/ What do they do?
The SPUC (the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) is a pro-life organisation that started in 1967. People who thought that it was wrong to make abortion legal formed this group. They campaign against abortion, euthanasia and embryo experimentation. The members believe that life begins at the moment of conception. They believe that abortions, which take place because the foetus is abnormal in some way, discriminate against disabled people. SPUC teaches that tests during pregnancy should only be performed for the benefit of the foetus not to make a decision on abortion. Members of SPUC organise protests, particularly when people suggest making abortion easier. They write letters to MPs, to try and influence them to vote against abortion. SPUC also produce educational material to be used in schools and youth centres and try to discourage young women from having abortions.
The PCA (Pro-choice Alliance) is a pro-choice organisation, which started in 1983. This group campaigns for the right of a woman to have an abortion without having to give a reason up to the 14th week of pregnancy. People of any religion and political party can join. They try to change the law to make abortion easier. The PCA believes it is wrong for a woman to have to explain their personal circumstances to a doctor and let them make the decision. They say that it is an invasion of the woman’s privacy and treating her like a child, as though she is not able of making her own decisions. The PCA use passages from the bible, which teaches that men and women are equal so women should be able to make their own choices about their own lives.
Aborting a foetus is murder? Do you agree or disagree?
I don’t think that aborting a foetus is murder, because a human is a living, breathing being. If the baby is going to be severely deformed and will not be able to live a normal life it will be suffering all of its life. A woman should have control over her body. It is better to have an abortion than to have an unwanted baby. A baby that is not wanted will end up being unloved and put to one side. A foetus cannot breath it is not yet living. But, according to the Human Anatomy & Physiology textbook given to students attending nursing school, brain waves are detected at 8 weeks. This is a unique human life and the right to life is clearly more fundamental and important than having the choice to get rid of it. You are killing an unborn child who deserves a life like everybody else. No one has the right to take that away.
