Islam (Matters of Life and Death) - Abortion

Question 1

What is abortion?

Answer 1

Ending a pregnancy delibrerately by removing a foetus by surgical or medical means

Question 2

What are the conditions for abortion to take place in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy (according to the UK law)

Answer 2

1. If there is evidence that the unborn child will be severely disabled
2. There is a physical or mental risk to the mother
3. Any existing child would suffer or be at risk

Question 3

What are muslim teachings on abortion?

Answer 3

Abortion is forbidden in most cases except for if the mothers life is in danger

Question 4

What quote shows that Abortion is forbidden in Islam?

Answer 4

“It is He who gives death and life” Qur’an

Question 5

What are non-religious arguments for abortion?

Answer 5

• A foetus is not a human life until it can survive outside the womb, so before 23 weeks arent taking a life
• It is a woman’s body so she should have the right to choose what she does with it
• If a baby will not be wanted or loved when it is born, it is better for it not to be born at all

Question 6

What are non religious argument against abortion?

Answer 6

• Every embryo has the potential for life, and should therefore have a right to be born
• Just because a baby might be disabled, does not mean it cannot live a good life
• Giving a baby up for adoption is an alternative to abortion. The baby could have a good life with a different family