RS Theme B: Religion and Life

Page 1

Abortion

(Contrast: Muslims and Catholic Christians)

For Abortion

Muslims allow abortion before ensoulment, if the mother’s life is at risk or in cases of rape.

“Whoever has killed a soul, it is as though they have murdered all of mankind,” Quran

The woman is the one having her body going through the 9 months of pregnancy so she should be allowed to take control over her body

Quality of life may not be good for mother and baby if the baby is born

The baby can’t have a say so the mother’s opinion is the most important

Mental health problems can occur for the mother if she has the baby

The baby is part of the mother - it isn’t it’s own being until it is born, so the mother should make the decision

Against Abortion

Catholic Christians are against abortion completely

Muslims are against it after ensoulment

Sanctity of life: all life is sacred as it is created and loved by God and so life should not be abused

Bible - “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” - God knew the person before the baby was formed so it is in His plan for the baby to be born

Bible - “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” - God created life so it should be protected

“God created mankind in His image,” - Foetus is sacred and special and should not be destroyed

“Kill not your offspring for fear of poverty” (Quran) - You should not have an abortion for financial reasons as Allah will help you

For Muslims, after ensoulment, the foetus is a human life so it has rights

Mother is making the decision on behalf of the baby which is not fair

The baby has potential to grow up and live a good life

It’s murder

The mother has the option of giving the baby up for adoption if she doesn’t want it

What’s the difference between killing a baby in the womb and killing a day old baby?

Only God can take away life

Foetus feels pain - nervous system is developed at 7 weeks