Abortion

Definition: the removal of a foetus from the womb before it can survive.

When a pregnancy is ended by surgical or medical means.

When does life begin?

• Fertilisation?
• When the egg is implanted into the womb?
• When the foetus is developing?
• When the foetus is living independantly?
• Birth?

1967 Abortion Act

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990

• Abortion must be agreed by two doctors

Abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks if:-

• there is a physical or mental risk to the woman's health
• any existing children would suffer or be at risk
• the child born would be severly disabled

Abortion is allowed after 24 weeks if:-

• there is risk to the mother's life
• the baby will be severely deformed
• there would be risk of serious physical or mental injury to the woman

FOR abortion:

• Women should have the right to choose - it is their body
• In cases of ****, abortion should be allowed
• It is kinder to allow abortion if the child will be severely disabled
• Babies have the right to be loved, and the woman cannot always provide this

AGAINST abortion:

• Life begins at conception
• An embryo has the potential to be a human and should have the right to life
• Even disabled children have the right to life
• Adoption is an alternative