Christians' Views on Abortion and Euthanasia

Christians' Views on Abortion and Euthanasia

Not all Christians react in the same way to either abortion or

euthanasia. Christian denominations teach different things based on

differentiating views on the bible and natural law.

The Roman Catholic Church is against abortion and is constantly

speaking out against it, there are many ways in which pro life Roman

Catholics protest against abortion for example they could join a

pro-life group such as the society for the protection of unborn

children (SPUC) or LIFE these are the most known out of the groups

that campaign for a change in the laws to stop or decrease the number

of abortions carried out in the United Kingdom. By joining one of

these groups people from any Christian tradition along with

non-religious members can help provide counselling and advice to women

who are, or think they might be pregnant. Roman Catholics can also go

to demonstrations and write to the government.

However not all Roman Catholics react in the same way even though they

still hold the same beliefs about the sanctity of life. They believe

that having an abortion maybe the lesser of two evils in circumstances

such as rape and disability. They also agree with abortion if the

mother's life is at risk if the pregnancy continues.

The Church of England stated in a report in 1984 that "the foetus is

to be specially respected and protected" it did however go on to say

that "nonetheless the life of the foetus is not absolutely sacrosanct

if it endangers the life of the mother."

The Protestant Churches say that abortion is "generally undesirable;

under some circumstances it may be acceptable." It is not however

always clear what the circumstances may be, which may be why a

minority protestant group ("Christians for free choice") campaigns for

more emphasis on what they think is a woman's right to have an

abortion.

On the issue of euthanasia most Christian traditions are against it,

the Roman Catholic Church has spoken out against euthanasia, saying

"…an act, or an omission which, of itself or by intention, causes