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This is about procured
abortion.
Bible
Those who are against abortion stress passages which show the sacredness
of life.
Genesis 1:26 Man is made in the image and likeness of God
Exodus 20:13 You shall not commit murder.
Jeremiah 1:5 God called Jeremiah to be a prophet when he was still in
the womb.
Psalm 139:13-16 God formed all the parts of the child in the womb.
Those in favour of
abortion struggle to find any passage which supports their point –
apart from:-
Exodus 21:22-25 This rather implies that the foetus is not a human being.
Christians discussing
the question of abortion have to resolve two distinct issues.
1. At what
stage should the foetus be regarded as a human being?
2. Is abortion – as such – right or wrong?
1. At what
stage should the foetus be regarded as a human being?
Roman Catholics believe
that from the moment of conception the foetus is a sacred human life.
Early Church Fathers – said that 40 days after conception, the unborn
child received its soul. This view is unscientific and is now generally
disregarded.
Legal position Abortion must happen before the 24th week. Once the baby
reaches this stage it is assumed that it could possibly live. Because
of advances in science many MP’s want this to be reduced to 20th
week. Many Christians would support this.
2. Is abortion
– as such – right or wrong?
Roman Catholics say it is wrong to take life and to kill an unborn child.
In 1968 Pope John Paul VI issued Humanae Vitae, which declared that all
life is sacred and abortions were not to be considered as an option.
In 1974 the Pope declared Abortion to be a serious sin.
Roman Catholics say
in support of this piece of teaching that the child could be put up for
adoption.
There are supporting Christian organisations that exist to help mothers
during an unwanted pregnancy eg Society for the Protection of the Unborn
Child.
And Pro-Life.
Other Churches
These all agree that life should be sacred.
Salvation Army sees life as sacred from the moment of conception.
Many Protestant and Non-Conformist churches give consideration to the
mother as well the unborn baby.
In the case of rape
many Christians would feel that a request for an abortion was justified.
They find the Roman Catholic position judgemental.
Many pregnancies are unintentional. The mother to be and indeed her partner
may feel that they have done something wrong.
In a situation like this Christians may pay show concern for the parents’
guilt, remorse or attitude of repentance.
These churches follow Jesus’ example and are prepared to show compassion
and forgiveness. They feel a sense of pastoral concern for the potential
mother.
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