Starter quiz
- The belief that life is sacred because it was created by God or because each person is unique is called the ______ of life.
- 'sanctity' ✓
- The idea that life has worth because of its usefulness, experiences, or suffering is called the ______ of life.
- 'quality' ✓
- What do Catholics believe about the sanctity of life?
- Life is valuable only if it is free from suffering.
- Life has intrinsic value because it is created by God. ✓
- Human dignity depends on intelligence.
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- Which Christian group believes life is sacred (intrinsic value) but also considers factors like suffering or dignity (extrinsic factors) when making decisions?
- Anglicans ✓
- Catholics
- Humanists
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- Which philosopher is known for sentientism, the idea that the ability to feel pleasure and pain determines life’s value?
- Richard Dawkins
- Thomas Aquinas
- Peter Singer ✓
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- What do Humanists believe about the value of life?
- Life is valuable because of its potential and experiences. ✓
- Life is only valuable if it is religious.
- Life is sacred because it is given by God.
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Exit quiz
- According to UK law, how many doctors must approve an abortion before 24 weeks?
- one
- two ✓
- three
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- In the UK, when can an abortion legally take place after 24 weeks?
- if the woman is under 18
- if there is a serious risk to the woman’s life ✓
- if the woman changes her mind
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- Which of the following is a pro-choice argument?
- The foetus has the right to life.
- Adoption is a better option.
- A woman should have control over her own body. ✓
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- What is the difference between a medical and a surgical abortion?
- A medical abortion involves surgery, while a surgical abortion uses medication.
- A medical abortion uses medication; surgical abortion involves a procedure. ✓
- Both procedures require surgery.
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- A ______ is the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth.
- 'foetus' ✓
- In the UK, abortion must be approved by ______ doctors before being carried out.
- 'two' ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Abortion is defined as the deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
- In the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under certain conditions.
- Pro-choice arguments support a woman's right to choose, emphasising her autonomy in making decisions about her own body.
- Many humanists believe a woman has the right to choose abortion.
- Pro-life arguments oppose abortion, focusing on the intrinsic value and right to life of the foetus.
Common misconception
Abortion debates are always clearly pro-life vs. pro-choice.
Many positions are more nuanced e.g. some people who identify as pro-life accept abortion in certain circumstances, and some who are pro-choice may personally oppose abortion but support the legal right to choose.
Keywords
Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
Foetus - the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth
Intrinsic (value) - something is valuable just because it exists, regardless of its usefulness
Pro-choice - generally support 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
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