1.4 Differences in views for the value of human life Flashcards
Catholic attitude towards the value of human life and abortion. (ABIC)
Answer it
- All life is sacred in the eyes of God and is a gift from God.
- All direct abortion is wrong no matter the circumstances and so can never be permitted.
Back it up
- “You knit me together in my mother’s womb” - Psalms - life begins at conception.
- “Thou shalt not kill” - Exodus
- Life is holy, and belongs to God; therefore only God has the right to end a pregnancy.
- A foetus is a human being, and abortion destroys its right to life.
Impact
- Recommend adoption as a replacement for unwanted pregnancies as it preserves life and brings joy to a new family.
Counterargument
- Certain situations can be controversial whether abortion is allowed or not.
- If God loves humans, whose life should be taken if both are at risk of death?
Liberal protestant attitude towards the value of human life and abortion. (ABIC)
Answer it
- All life is sacred in the eyes of God and is a gift from God.
- Abortion is wrong, but it must be permitted in certain situations.
Back it up
- “Love your neighbour as yourself” - Mark - abortion may be the most loving thing to do.
- Christians should remove suffering and abortion may be needed to do this.
- Life does not begin at conception but at some point during pregnancy.
- Christianity is concerned with justice - if abortion was banned an unjust situation would rise. Rich women in other countries will abort safely whilst the poor will use back-street abortionists.
Impact
- Advocate for the access of abortion centres; some support the restrictions for certain circumstances.
- May emphasise women’s right to choose.
Counterargument
- Could weaken the family unit, and contribute to a culture of disrespect for life.
- Is taking the life of a potential human who could’ve lived really loving?
- God says there will be suffering in this world but in the world to come, there will be none - abortion doesn’t remove suffering but may even induce more later.
- Some scientists argue that conception is where life begins.
- Provide better environments (crime systems, better living areas/standard of living) so that the chances of dire circumstances occurring decreases.
Humanist attitude towards the value of human life and abortion. (ABIC)
Answer it
- Abortion is morally acceptable choice to some, it is personal.
- Do not think all life is “sacred”.
Back it up
- Do not think life begins at conception - focus on quality of life rather than right to life.
Impact
- Put interest of woman first as her happiness matters - alive unlike unborn foetus who is not a person, with its own feelings and consciousness.
Counterargument
- All possible options should be considered (e.g. adoption may be best solution in some cases, woman may decide she is able to look after sick or disabled child after reflection).
United Kingdom law on abortion.
- Abortion can be carried out if two doctors agree between specific limited reasons.
- Abortion cannot take place after 24 weeks unless mother’s life is gravely at risk or foetus may be born with severe mental or physical abnormalities.
