Abortion is the artificial ending of the life of a foetus in the womb. It is usually carried
out for one of the following reasons: To preserve the life or health of the mother. To
prevent a pregnancy brought about by rape. To prevent a child being born mentally or
physically disabled. To prevent a birth because, for example, the mother is very young.
Christian teaching on abortion is complex. An early Christian document, the Didache,
condemns it: You shall not kill by abortion the fruit of the womb. The Bible appears
to say that life begins when the baby is in the mother's womb:For you created my
inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 Before I
formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. Jeremiah
1:5
None of the Christian Churches believe that abortion should be encouraged and all agree
that it should only be used in the most serious circumstances.
The Roman Catholic Church strongly opposes abortion in every instance except when it
is the inevitable result of a necessary treatment given to the mother (double effect). The
Roman Catholic teaching that the foetus is a human being from the moment of
conception, and that its rights to life are equal to that of the mother's, is based on two
theories: Ensoulment: In the 13th century Thomas Aquinas argued that the male foetus
becomes a human being at 40 days and the female at 90 days after conception.
Quickening: This is the time that the baby first moves in the womb. It is supported by the
experience of John the Baptist's mother Elizabeth, described in the Bible: When Elizabeth
heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 In the Roman Catholic tradition, the unborn child is seen as a gift
from God and a human being with a right to life. There are catholic pressure groups such
as `The Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC) who campaign against
abortion. In a recent initiative, practical support has been offered by SPUC to females
who decide not to have an abortion. Catholics would see forms of birth control that
prevent a fertilised egg from developing as abortion.
Both the Anglican Church and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), however,
believe that although abortion should not be encouraged, the life of the unborn child
cannot be seen as more important than that of the mother. The Church of England spoke
out in 1993 against the rising number of abortions in Britain but left the final decision on
the issue up to the people involved.The issue of abortion is controversial and brings out
very strong emotions in people. Within Christianity, individuals cover a wide spectrum of
views.
The traditional Anglican view is that abortion is a morally serious issue. The Church of
England 1993 General Synod debated a motion on abortion. They stated: The number of
abortions is too high; The Church must work to reduce the demand for abortion; The
Church has a responsibility to support those parenting in difficult conditions; The medical
profession is to be supported in ensuring abortion is carried out as early as possible;
`Serious foetal handicap' abortions after 24 weeks gestation should apply strictly to
situations where survival would be only for a very limited period.