Abortion Dr Megan Best University of Sydney University of Notre Dame Australia Abortion (L. abortio) The premature expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception. Dorlands’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 25th ed., (1974). Philadelphia: WB Saunders. Outline What kind of thing is the embryo/fetus? What does the act of abortion involve? What makes a woman choose to have an abortion? How do christians work out right and wrong? Applications What kind of thing is a fetus? Is it the kind of thing that it is wrong to kill? All humans bear the image of God Genesis 1:26-27 Conception linked to birth Genesis 4:1; Matthew 1:18 Relationship with God while in the womb Psalm 139; Job 10 Fertilisation Day 5-6: blastocyst Day 7-10: Implantation 3 week old embryo 4 week old embryo 5 week old embryo 6 week old embryo Embryo: 7 weeks 8 week old embryo Foetus: 3 months (13 weeks) Foetus: 4 months (18 weeks) Foetus: 5 months (22 weeks) Foetus: 6 months (26 weeks) Foetus: 8 months (35 weeks) Newborn weeks) zygote 2019 24 22 20 28 * 24 No states require notification or consent of woman’s sexual partner. No waiting periods apply. Except in WA, a minor does not require parental consent or notification. 16 ACT: no limit* What does abortion involve? Medical abortion RU-486 (mifepristone, Mifegyne) Prostaglandins alone Methotrexate Vacuum aspiration or suction curettage 1: Amniotic sac 2: Embryo 3: Uterine lining 4: Speculum 5: Vacurette 6: Attached to a suction pump Dilation and Evacuation Late term abortion Intact dilation and extraction What makes a woman choose abortion? Maternal mortality Reasons underlying abortion decisions Common Uncommon Wrong timing – don’t want to disrupt life plans Too young (not ready for motherhood, child needs a responsible mother) Already have enough children Can’t afford another child Do not want a child Do not want a disabled child Partner absent, not in a relationship Partner reluctant Partner too immature, unreliable, unfaithful, alcoholic, abusive, denies paternity Relationship with partner troubled, unstable, too new Partner not father of child Relationship could not cope with child Relationship ended because of pregnancy Inadequate environment in which to raise a child (child unwanted, child would not have two parents, mother cannot adequately care for child) Child unhealthy or fear of foetal damage (inadequate prenatal care, mother’s drug/alcohol intake) Pressure from male partner Influence of others Public disapproval of teen pregnancy Religious disapproval of teen pregnancy No correct choice possible (ambivalence) Women’s physical or mental health Fear of giving birth Too tired Too old Adverse effect on existing children (financial, emotional, time resources) Adverse effect on existing children from foetal abnormality Rape Incest Domestic violence (including aged 15-19 years) Nb multiple reasons often given Kirkman et al (2009) A christian approach to ethics A christian approach to ethics Biblical themes We should not do evil in order to achieve good Romans 3:8 We should not kill an innocent human being Exodus 20:13; see also Genesis 9:6 Our God has special concern for the vulnerable See references to Israel’s required treatment of widows, orphans and aliens Get involved! Real Choices Australia www.realchoices.org.au Sara’s Place (Pregnant Alternatives) www.pregnantalternatives.com.au Diamond Pregnancy Support www.diamondpregnancy.com The Choices of Life www.choicesoflife.com.au Zoe Support www.zoesupport.com.au Embryo Donation Network www.embryodonation.org.au Priceless Life Centre (Qld) www.pricelesslifecentre.org.au Karinya House (ACT) www.karinyahouse.asn.au Brave Foundation (Tas) www.bravefoundation.org.au March for the Babies (Vic) http://marchforthebabies.org Case 1 A university student requests elective abortion after diagnosis of unwanted pregnancy. It’s just not a good time for her to be pregnant. A 27 year old Case 2 woman comes to the clinic requesting an abortion for a pregnancy that was the result of a sexual assault. Case 3 A 31 year old woman and her husband are told at her 18 week scan that the baby has anencephaly (congenital absence of the brain), a condition which is incompatible with life. Case 4 A 42 year old woman is told that her fourth child has a high possibility of being born with Down’s syndrome. Down’s syndrome Thank you Recommended Reading Abby Johnson: Unplanned Melinda Tankard Reist Giving sorrow words Defiant birth Heather Gemmen: Startling Beauty Madeleine Witham: Ella Megan Best Fearfully and Wonderfully Made A Life Already Started Get involved! Real Choices Australia www.realchoices.org.au Sara’s Place (Pregnant Alternatives) www.pregnantalternatives.com.au Diamond Pregnancy Support www.diamondpregnancy.com The Choices of Life www.choicesoflife.com.au Zoe Support www.zoesupport.com.au Embryo Donation Network www.embryodonation.org.au Priceless Life Centre (Qld) www.pricelesslifecentre.org.au Karinya House (ACT) www.karinyahouse.asn.au Brave Foundation (Tas) www.bravefoundation.org.au March for the Babies (Vic) http://marchforthebabies.org
