Christians' Views on Abortion and Euthanasia

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Christians' Views on Abortion and Euthanasia

Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. Pro Life is a

belief that abortion is murder, as life begins at the moment of

conception and Pro Choice is the belief that the woman who is pregnant

should make her own decision.

The Roman Catholic Church believes that abortion is murder. “Do not

kill” Exodus 20: 1-17 is one of the Ten Commandments, in their eyes

life begins at conception and so abortion would be classed as murder.

Pope Paul IV wrote a Human Vitae in which stated that it was an

absolute rule for human’s to accept abortion and the in 1970 the Roman

Catholic Church reiterated this view. Although there is a clause in

this belief, the doctrine of double effect. This means that, if it is

the primary objective to save a mother from a life threatening disease

but she is pregnant, everything in the doctor’s power must be done to

save the mother.

Another organization with the same view as the Roman Catholic Church

is SPUC. SPUC (Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) aims to

‘defend and promote the existence and value of human life from the

moment of conception’ it is a non-religious pro-life organization. It

is also concerned about the welfare of mothers during pregnancy and

that of the child.

The Church of England believes that the foetus is God given life and

is to be ‘nurtured, supported and protected.’ The mother is to be

shown compassion, and her feelings and wishes are to be recognized.

Abortions are to be carried out early in pregnancy. They believe that

the number of abortions should be cut and more support should be given

to pregnant mums.

Some Christians that reject abortion support alternatives. If the baby

is not wanted then it can be put up for adoption. In addition, some

Christians will never accept abortion because they believe it is

murder. Some more alternatives to Abortion would be seeking help from

different organizations such as Social Services, NSPCC and Life.

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