Starter quiz
- Which of the following is a key argument made by pro-life supporters?
- the foetus becomes valuable only after birth
- abortion should be legal without restrictions
- life begins at conception, making abortion morally wrong ✓
- a woman’s choice is more important than the foetus’ life
-
- Which religious group teaches that life is sacred from conception and generally opposes abortion?
- Quakers
- Roman Catholics ✓
- humanists
- Buddhists
-
- What is a reason someone might support a woman’s right to have an abortion?
- because the foetus has no value at any stage
- because a woman’s health and well-being may be at risk ✓
- because financial gain is more important than life
- because abortion is always an easy decision
-
- The procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy is called a ______ abortion.
- 'medical' ✓
- In the UK, abortions beyond 24 weeks are allowed if there is a serious risk to the ______.
- 'mother' ✓
- Prior to becoming a foetus, the developing human is referred to as an ______.
- 'embryo' ✓
Exit quiz
- What is the Catholic Church’s position on abortion?
- it is acceptable if the parents cannot afford to raise a child
- it is only acceptable when a foetus is diagnosed with a severe condition
- it is morally wrong in almost all cases except when the mother’s life is at risk ✓
- it is acceptable during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
-
- Which Christian denomination allows abortion in cases such as when there is a risk to the mother’s health or there is a foetal abnormality?
- The Roman Catholic Church
- The Baptist Church
- The Methodist Church ✓
- The Eastern Orthodox Church
-
- Which ethical theory supports making abortion decisions based on the most loving action?
- Natural Law
- divine command theory
- situation ethics ✓
- utilitarianism
-
- The belief that life is sacred because it is given by God is known as the sanctity of ______ belief.
- 'life' ✓
- The official teaching of the Catholic Church with regards to abortion is outlined in a document called the '______'.
- 'Evangelium Vitae' ✓
- The Christian teaching that humans are made in the image of God is found in the Book of ______.
- 'Genesis' ✓
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5) suggests abortion is morally unacceptable.
- "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) could support abortion in some loving situations.
- "Evangelium Vitae" outlines the Catholic Church’s pro-life stance, backed by Natural Law.
- Anglicans and Methodists share a pro-life view but may accept abortion in certain cases using situation ethics.
Common misconception
All Christians believe the same thing about abortion.
In reality, views vary between denominations, with the Catholic Church strongly opposing abortion, while the Church of England and Methodists allow it in some cases.
Keywords
Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
Pro-choice - generally in favour of a woman's right to choose to have an abortion
Pro-life - generally opposed to abortion and in favour of the life of the foetus
Sacred - something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect
Situation ethics - an ethical theory which argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation
+