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Toby king
03/08/2025
Religious Studies
Religious and non-religious views on abortion gcse religious education
415
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3 Aug 2025
•
Understanding What Humanists and Others Think About Abortion and Life
Toby king
@tobyugbor_lcqq
Religious Perspectives on Abortion: Christian Views and Ethical Considerations
This page delves deeper into Christian perspectives on abortion, exploring the theological foundations for these views and the nuances between different denominations.
The belief in the sanctity of life is supported by several biblical passages. Christians often cite Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1, which suggest that God knows each person before they are born and has plans for their lives.
Quote: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5)
The Catholic perspective on abortion is particularly strict. Catholics believe that abortion is equivalent to murder and is therefore unacceptable under any circumstances.
Highlight: The Catholic Church's position on abortion is based on the sanctity of life principle and the belief that life begins at conception.
However, the Catholic Church does recognize the doctrine of double effect, which allows for certain medical procedures that may result in the death of a fetus if the primary intention is to save the mother's life.
Definition: The doctrine of double effect states that an action which causes harm may be morally permissible if the harm was not intended and is outweighed by the good effect.
Other Christian denominations have more nuanced views on abortion. For example:
- The Church of England opposes abortion in principle but believes it can be acceptable in certain situations, such as to save the mother's life or in cases of severe fetal disability.
- Many Protestant denominations would permit abortion in cases of rape or incest.
- Quakers believe that a woman's life should always be protected and valued ahead of the life of the fetus.
These varying perspectives highlight the complexity of the abortion debate within Christianity and demonstrate that Christian views on abortion are not monolithic.
Example: A Christian faced with a pregnancy resulting from rape might struggle to reconcile their belief in the sanctity of life with the trauma of the situation, illustrating the complex ethical considerations involved in abortion decisions.
Religious and Non-Religious Views on Abortion: Legal and Ethical Perspectives
Abortion is a complex and contentious issue that involves both legal and ethical considerations. This page explores the definition of abortion, its legal status in the UK, and various non-religious perspectives on the matter.
Definition: Abortion is the removal of a fetus from the womb before it can survive independently.
In the United Kingdom, abortion is legal before the 24th week of pregnancy, provided two doctors agree that the pregnancy poses a mental or physical risk to the mother or child. However, it's important to note that abortion remains illegal in Northern Ireland.
Non-religious views on abortion tend to be more supportive of a woman's right to choose. Many atheists and humanists advocate for reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and quality of life considerations.
Highlight: Humanist views on abortion and quality of life considerations prioritize maintaining a person's quality of life over protecting a potential life.
There is ongoing debate about the appropriate time limit for abortions. Some argue that the limit should be set at viability, which is typically around 22-24 weeks of gestation. Others believe there shouldn't be any time limit on abortions, emphasizing the importance of a woman's right to make decisions about her own body throughout pregnancy.
Example: The debate on abortion time limits reflects the complex balance between fetal viability and women's rights.
Christian views on abortion often center around the concept of the sanctity of life. This belief holds that God alone can decide when life begins and ends, as He created all life and considers it sacred.
Vocabulary: Sanctity of life refers to the belief that human life is sacred and inviolable because it is created in God's image.
Catholics, in particular, believe that life begins at conception. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that a fetus has all the rights of a person from the moment of conception.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding What Humanists and Others Think About Abortion and Life
Toby king
@tobyugbor_lcqq
Humanist views on abortion and quality of life considerationsform a crucial part of the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights. This summary explores both religious and non-religious perspectives on abortion, focusing on the legal, ethical, and moral aspects of the... Show more
Religious Perspectives on Abortion: Christian Views and Ethical Considerations
This page delves deeper into Christian perspectives on abortion, exploring the theological foundations for these views and the nuances between different denominations.
The belief in the sanctity of life is supported by several biblical passages. Christians often cite Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1, which suggest that God knows each person before they are born and has plans for their lives.
Quote: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5)
The Catholic perspective on abortion is particularly strict. Catholics believe that abortion is equivalent to murder and is therefore unacceptable under any circumstances.
Highlight: The Catholic Church's position on abortion is based on the sanctity of life principle and the belief that life begins at conception.
However, the Catholic Church does recognize the doctrine of double effect, which allows for certain medical procedures that may result in the death of a fetus if the primary intention is to save the mother's life.
Definition: The doctrine of double effect states that an action which causes harm may be morally permissible if the harm was not intended and is outweighed by the good effect.
Other Christian denominations have more nuanced views on abortion. For example:
- The Church of England opposes abortion in principle but believes it can be acceptable in certain situations, such as to save the mother's life or in cases of severe fetal disability.
- Many Protestant denominations would permit abortion in cases of rape or incest.
- Quakers believe that a woman's life should always be protected and valued ahead of the life of the fetus.
These varying perspectives highlight the complexity of the abortion debate within Christianity and demonstrate that Christian views on abortion are not monolithic.
Example: A Christian faced with a pregnancy resulting from rape might struggle to reconcile their belief in the sanctity of life with the trauma of the situation, illustrating the complex ethical considerations involved in abortion decisions.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Religious and Non-Religious Views on Abortion: Legal and Ethical Perspectives
Abortion is a complex and contentious issue that involves both legal and ethical considerations. This page explores the definition of abortion, its legal status in the UK, and various non-religious perspectives on the matter.
Definition: Abortion is the removal of a fetus from the womb before it can survive independently.
In the United Kingdom, abortion is legal before the 24th week of pregnancy, provided two doctors agree that the pregnancy poses a mental or physical risk to the mother or child. However, it's important to note that abortion remains illegal in Northern Ireland.
Non-religious views on abortion tend to be more supportive of a woman's right to choose. Many atheists and humanists advocate for reproductive rights, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and quality of life considerations.
Highlight: Humanist views on abortion and quality of life considerations prioritize maintaining a person's quality of life over protecting a potential life.
There is ongoing debate about the appropriate time limit for abortions. Some argue that the limit should be set at viability, which is typically around 22-24 weeks of gestation. Others believe there shouldn't be any time limit on abortions, emphasizing the importance of a woman's right to make decisions about her own body throughout pregnancy.
Example: The debate on abortion time limits reflects the complex balance between fetal viability and women's rights.
Christian views on abortion often center around the concept of the sanctity of life. This belief holds that God alone can decide when life begins and ends, as He created all life and considers it sacred.
Vocabulary: Sanctity of life refers to the belief that human life is sacred and inviolable because it is created in God's image.
Catholics, in particular, believe that life begins at conception. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that a fetus has all the rights of a person from the moment of conception.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user