Explain the different beliefs that Christians hold about abortion?

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R.E Abortion Coursework

Explain the different beliefs that Christians hold about abortion?

Abortion means deliberate termination of a pregnancy. The foetus is removed usually before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion Act 1967 say abortion is legal if two doctors independently agree that

  • The mother’s life is at risk if the pregnancy continues.
  • The mother’s mental and well-being is at risk.
  • Scans or tests have shown the baby is mentally or physically disabled, or has another meaning.
  • There is a risk of harm from existing children.

The biological father has no rights and by law cannot stop an abortion. All Christians believe that human life is sacred. They believe that God created them of his own image. If it is accepted that an unborn child is a living person, then it deserves that he or she has the right and respect to all human beings as the Bible teaches human life is sacred. “So God created human beings, making them to be like himself.” (Genesis 1:27). One of the 10 commandments clearly states, “ Do not commit murder.” (Exodus 20:3) although in certain circumstances the Bible allows for the use of lethal force in self-defence or in the defence of others. However, Biblical teaching states that the deliberate killing of a human being is always wrong. God values each person as an individual he believes we are all different from all other animals, our bodies and personalities are unique. His love for them began in his womb,” When all my bones are being formed, carefully put together in my mothers womb, when I was growing there in a secret you knew I was there” (Psalm 139:15)

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Before 1967, abortion was illegal and not openly discussed. If a woman had money, she was discreetly taken to clinic for an illegal abortion. Her friends would properly think she had a miscarriage or go away for a break. For those without money the only option was “ back street clinics” were untrained people or occasionally, a retired midwife performed the abortion. Knitting needles were routinely used for this “operation”, but there was rarely pain relief. Poor hygiene and banned drugs (sometimes) was another feature of back street abortions. Many women haemorrhaged, and some bled to death rather than ...

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