Abortion

Roman Catholic Church

Abortion is always wrong.  Life begins at conception (or at the very least we cannot be certain that it doesn't), therefore abortion is murder.  The unborn child is a sacred human life; it deserves the same respect as any other human being. Even in the case of ****, the RC Church does not support abortion - the foetus would be paying for someone else’s crime.

“Human life is sacred”. 

"Abortion is a serious sin.  Everyone, whether Catholic or not, should have a proper respect for human life."

Abortion is an evil to be avoided if possible, but can be justified in 3 circumstances:

1. Risk to the mother’s life or her mental and physical health.
2. Baby likely to be deformed and mother feels she can not cope.
3. ****.

"Although the foetus is to be specially respected and protected, nonetheless the life of the foetus is not absolutely sacrosanct if it endangers the life of the mother."

The Church of England does not morally agree with abortion, but often accepts it may be the only way forward for someone.  They do not condemn someone who has an abortion, but would help a woman get through it, come to terms with it, and move forward.  Women often feel they have done something very wrong, and need help.  Sometimes abortion is the most loving thing to do.  If Jesus forgives people, then so should Christians.    

Salvation Army

Life is sacred from the moment of conception, but abortion may be acceptable if:

• the mother’s life is in danger
• the baby can not survive for more than a few days, e.g. with a severe disability

United Reform Church

Recognises a wide range of views among its members.  There is a difference between a foetus almost ready to be born, and one in the early stages of pregnancy.   Sometimes abortion is necessary, but should be taken seriously.

The Bible says very little about abortion because it was not as common as today.  Girls were often married very young and did not have careers.  Abortion was not a safe medical procedure.  There were no tests for any health problems for the mother or the foetus.  The Bible does not use the word “abortion” or deal with the issues directly, but Christians use Bible passages both for and against abortion.

Bible quotes used to argue AGAINST abortion

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart”

God has a plan for every human being even before they are born 

Once Christians establish that the foetus is a human being, the sanctity of life teachings all apply:

“In the image of God” – Genesis 1:26 

“Do not kill” – Exodus 20:13

”You yourselves are God's temple”

Bible quotes used to argue FOR abortion

Surprisingly. the Old Testament supports the idea that a human life is not as valuable before birth.

God made Adam, and then “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.”

This suggests that we are not human until we breathe (i.e. we are born). 

The bible suggests that causing the death of an unborn child is not as serious as killing someone who is already born.

could suggest that abortion is better than being born into a life of suffering, e.g. unwanted babies