Abortion and Christianity
Abortion is the “premature expulsion of the foetus from the womb”,before it has reached the full term of 40 weeks. Sometimes thishappens naturally, through no choice of the parents, and this iscalled a miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion. However, when peopletalk about abortion, they usually mean a “procured abortion” which iswhen the parents choose to have the foetus removed by an operation.This usually happens very early on in the pregnancy, the latest legaltime for aborting a baby being 24 weeks. There are several reasonswhy a woman may choose to have an abortion. The woman may not be in aserious relationship when she becomes pregnant, or the father may notwant anything to do with the child, and not want to bring the baby upon her own. The pregnancy may happen at an inconvenient time for thewoman, for example when she is very young, while she has otherchildren in their teens, or when she is at an important stage in hercareer.
Medical tests may show that the baby is not developing normally andmay have severe health problems. The pregnancy may be result of rape.
The woman may feel she cannot cope with a child at that time, orsimply does not want a child. Some people believe that a woman shouldhave the right to choose whether or not to have a baby. These peopleare described as “pro-choice”. Those who think abortion is wrong are“pro-life”. According to the law, an abortion is only allowed ifthere is sufficient reason. Two doctors need to approve the abortion,and any doctors who do not agree with abortion can choose to havenothing to do with it. Many people feel very st…
… having them, they would go to backstreet clinics and nothingcould ensure the safety of the women. Taking a life is surely worsethan taking a potential life, so it must be better for abortions insafe clinics to be available. Overall, I agree with the Church ofEngland view. I think that abortion can be justified because I believethat someone should not look after a child if they feel they are notcapable and then that would not be fair on the child.
Bibliography and ResourcesContemporary Moral Issues by Joe Jenkins
Today’s Issues and Christian Beliefs by S. and. C Danes
Christian Perspectives on Contemporary Issues by D. Morgan
This is Christianity = Book 3, Christianity Today by M. Keene
Christianity and Moral Issues by Anne Jordan
www.spuc.org.uk
Father Raphael, Celtic Orthodox Priest