This document discusses Christian and Buddhist views on abortion. It provides an overview of key arguments for and against abortion from a religious perspective. Christians believe that life is sacred and a gift from God, beginning at conception. Buddhists believe in non-violence but think abortion must be considered on a case-by-case basis, weighing factors like the child's health and burden on the parent. Religious views on abortion involve complex considerations around morality and compassion.

1. Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Abortion: The Law and
Religious Views

3. Activities:
1. Can you think of any scenarios when a
woman would not be granted an abortion
before 24 weeks?
2. Should doctors have the right to refuse to
carry out an abortion?

4. Arguments for abortion

5. Arguments for abortion

6. The Sanctity of Life
• Christians believe in the sanctity of life or that
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life is a gift from God, is holy and belongs to
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God. They believe that humans are made in
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the image of God and are responsible for
God’s creation.
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• God was involved in the creation of each
individual person, ‘You knit me together in my
5 6
mothers womb’ (Psalm 139:13)
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humans individual womb gift
knit Sanctity creation

7. Using the attitudes to abortion sheet
to help, complete this exam question
‘Describe Christian teaching about abortion’
(8 marks)

8. What influences a Buddhist when
thinking about abortion?
The first precept
says ‘to abstain
from taking life’
Abortion prevents Buddhism teaches
the foetus from compassion (Karuna)
working of its
kammic debt
You get your
conscience at
Buddhists believe
conception,
in ahimsa – non- therefore that’s
violence when life begins

9. The Dali Lama said…
“Of course, abortion, from a
Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of
killing and is negative, generally
speaking. But it depends on the
circumstances. If the unborn child
will be retarded or if the birth will
create serious problems for the
parent, these are cases where
there can be an exception. I think
abortion should be approved or
disapproved according to each
individual circumstance.”