Abortion Coursework links

The RS coursework site has relevant tips for a coursework question on Abortion - why not start there? Also look at this site's short-course pages.

a. Explain what Christian teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion.

For this question, you are expected to give and explain a variety of quotes that cover a range of issues. For example, you may have a number of passages relevant to the sanctity of life which could be used to argue that all human life is sacred - these would be used by people against abortion (PROLIFE). To balance this, you could refer to passages that suggest that human life begins at birth - these would be used to argue in favour of abortion (PROCHOICE). Most sites claim to give 'the truth about the Bible and Abortion', but they usually end up being firmly either ProLife or ProChoice.

ProChoice web pages

Abortion is not a sin - the title says it all
Why abortion is Biblical - evidently a pro-choice page
What the Bible says about abortion - a pro-choice article

ProLife web pages

Murdering the unborn - an article against abortion
Abortion - a pro-life argument using the Bible
Abortion and the Bible - a pro-life article
What the Bible says about abortion - an answer to a question on the Bible and abortion
Is abortion biblical? - apparently not: be warned about the pictures used on this site
The Bible and Abortion - a well-structured and easy-to-read essay
The Bible and Abortion - a pro-life essay
Non-Biblical Christian teachings - gives early church teachings against abortion

b. Explain how Christians may respond to the question of abortion.

This takes the discussion of Biblical teaching a step further. It is a good idea to consider actual examples, and there are many given on the websites below. Again they fall clearly into two camps, although those who are ProChoice don't argue that Abortion is always right - they usually claim that a woman should have the right to choose whether to have an abortion.

You will consider a range of Christian responses, with many Christians arguing that the woman shouldn't always have the right to choose, but that IN SOME CASES abortion may be the lesser of two evils. Be very careful to think about what you will be saying in (c) - it is easy to overlap. You may prefer to include church teaching here rather than in a.

Remember - some of these sites aren't Christian, but some Christians may agree with their reasoning. Also, this question is NOT just about whether abortion is 'right or wrong' (unlike c.). When abortion first became legal in the UK, it was merely to prevent back-street abortions. Christians arguing for abortion to be legal were arguing that, if it's going to happen anyway, it should be safe. The question also covers how to respond to those who have had abortions. So Christians may 'respond to' abortion in many ways.

PROLIFE	PROCHOICE
LIFE UK	Education For Choice
AGAINST Abortion in Northern Ireland	Abortion Rights
Student LifeNet	Abortion help and advice
Priests for LIFE	Voice for choice
Baptists For Life	Doctors for a woman's choice on abortion

You should refer to specific churches where possible. For example:

Church of England

c. 'Abortion is never justified.'

You would need to put forward and defend those who are ALWAYS against abortion. You will then need to look at difficult cases (for example when the mother's life is threatened, rape, incest etc.). You are skirting around the same points as above - try to say something new and use different examples where possible. Also try to look for a new angle on these issues. Make sure your opinion comes across clearly too.

General links:

GCSE Religious Studies

Paul Hopkins' Site

BBC Bitesize