I chose to do my Religous Studies coursework on abortion

Authors Avatar

Lauren Harvey                June 2005

Contents

Question Titles ~ Page 2

Statement of Intent ~ Page 3

Question A ~ Pages 4-6

Question B ~ Pages 7-8

Question C ~ Pages 9-10

Bibliography ~ Page 11

Statement of Intent

I chose to do my Religous Studies coursework on abortion as I believe it is an issue that effects a lot of people, and I personally have my own views on the subject.  We also have very thorough notes on this issue, and I had a lot of resources to find my information.

Title 1

(a)        (i)     What is meant by the word ‘abortion’?

        (ii)     What biblical and Church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion?

(b)        Explain how Christians might put their beliefs about abortion into action.

(c)        ‘Abortion is never justified.’        

           Do you agree?  Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view.  You must refer to Christianity in your answer.

(a)        (i) What is meant by the word ‘abortion’?

Abortion is the “premature expulsion of the foetus from the womb”, before it has reached the full term of 40 weeks.  Sometimes this happens naturally, through no choice of the parents, and this is called a miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion.  However, when people talk about abortion, they usually mean a “procured abortion” which is when the parents choose to have the foetus removed by an operation.  This usually happens very early on in the pregnancy, the latest legal time for aborting a baby being 24 weeks.  There are several reasons why a woman may choose to have an abortion.  The woman may not be in a serious relationship when she becomes pregnant, or the father may not want anything to do with the child, and not want to bring the baby up on her own. The pregnancy may happen at an inconvenient time for the woman, for example when she is very young, while she has other children in their teens, or when she is at an important stage in her career.

Medical tests may show that the baby is not developing normally and may have severe health problems. The pregnancy may be result of rape.

The woman may feel she cannot cope with a child at that time, or simply does not want a child.  Some people believe that a woman should have the right to choose whether or not to have a baby.  These people are described as “pro-choice”.  Those who think abortion is wrong are “pro-life”.  According to the law, an abortion is only allowed if there is sufficient reason.  Two doctors need to approve the abortion, and any doctors who do not agree with abortion can choose to have nothing to do with it.  Many people feel very strongly about abortion.  There are two opposing sides, and they both have fair arguments.  There are alternatives to abortion, and women could give their baby up for abortion, or foster care.  There is also counselling for pregnant mothers, so they may feel more able to cope with a child.  

Join now!

           (ii) What biblical and Church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion?

There are two extreme views on abortion.  Many people, especially Christians, believe that the life of the foetus must be preserved at all costs. Others think that the mother has a right to decide whether or not to have the child she is carrying.  The Bible does not say much directly about abortion, but you can still refer to the Bible when discussing abortion.  It states many times the sanctity of life, and this could be used when discussing abortion.  In Exodus, ...

This is a preview of the whole essay