What is abortion?

Why do people disagree about it?

In this lesson, you’re going to learn:

• What is abortion?• How do religious beliefs affect beliefs on

abortion?• How do beliefs on when life begins affect

beliefs on abortion?

Keywords:

• Abortion – the termination of an unborn foetus from the womb before it can survive

• Conception – the moment of fertilisation, when the sperm and egg meet

• Viability – the time when the foetus can live independent of its mother (24 weeks)

When does life begin?

Conception?

The age of viability?

Birth?

Conception:

• Catholics believe that life begins at conception – the moment that the sperm and egg meet

• Therefore, they believe that nothing should be done to end this life at any time

Viability:• Some Christians, for example,

liberal protestants – believe that life begins at the age of viability

• This is the age of 24 weeks, when the foetus can live independently of its mother

• They believe abortions are ‘the lesser of two evils’ in some cases – and up to this age, abortions can take place

Birth:

• Most people who believe life begins at birth aren’t religious

• It isn’t wrong to have an abortion at all, in their view

What are the laws concerning abortion?

• Abortions became legal in the UK in 1967 – you were allowed to have an abortion up to 28 weeks into pregnancy

• There are four conditions that allow abortion:- The mother’s life is at risk- There is a risk of injury or the mother’s physical or mental health- There is a risk that another child would put at risk the mental or physical health of existing children- There is a substantial risk that the baby might be born handicapped (this includes downs syndrome)

• In 1990, the time limit was changed to 24 weeks, the age of viability

More Keywords:• Pro-Life – if you’re pro life, you believe that

abortion is unacceptable, and you view it as murder of innocent life

• Pro-Choice – if you’re pro choice, you believe that abortion is the choice of the mother

• Procured – a procured abortion is an abortion that has been chosen to take place, via an operation

• Miscarriage – When the foetus dies of natural causes

Arguments: Pro life and Pro Choice

Pro-Life• Life begins at conception –

abortion is murder• The unborn child deserves

the same rights as a human• The UN declaration of

human rights states that children should be protected – before and after birth

• Babies are born before 24 weeks – is this baby not alive?

Pro-Choice• Until the foetus doesn’t depend on it’s mother – it should not have it’s own rights• The mothers body: the mothers choice• The mothers life could be put at risk for the sake of a child who’s not even born yet• Abortion can be the lesser of two evils

Plenary, ‘D’ style question:

“Abortion is always wrong”i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinionii) Give reasons why some people may disagree

with you

• 2 arguments for your opinion• 2 arguments for the opposition• State your own believe in the first part