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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Christianity and the issue of abortion

I can explain different ethical arguments about abortion, including pro-choice and pro-life perspectives.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Christianity and the issue of abortion

I can explain different ethical arguments about abortion, including pro-choice and pro-life perspectives.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Abortion is defined as the deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
  2. In the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under certain conditions.
  3. Pro-choice arguments support a woman's right to choose, emphasising her autonomy in making decisions about her own body.
  4. Many humanists believe a woman has the right to choose abortion.
  5. Pro-life arguments oppose abortion, focusing on the intrinsic value and right to life of the foetus.

Keywords

  • Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy

  • Foetus - the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth

  • Intrinsic (value) - something is valuable just because it exists, regardless of its usefulness

  • Pro-choice - generally support a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion

  • Pro-life - generally opposed to abortion and in favour of the life of the foetus

Common misconception

Abortion debates are always clearly pro-life vs. pro-choice.

Many positions are more nuanced e.g. some people who identify as pro-life accept abortion in certain circumstances, and some who are pro-choice may personally oppose abortion but support the legal right to choose.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Christianity and the issue of abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Abortion is a sensitive topic, so set clear expectations for a respectful and open discussion. Emphasise that students may have different views shaped by their backgrounds, beliefs or experiences.
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Adult supervision recommended

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
The belief that life is sacred because it was created by God or because each person is unique is called the of life.
Correct Answer: sanctity, Sanctity
Q2.
The idea that life has worth because of its usefulness, experiences, or suffering is called the of life.
Correct Answer: quality, Quality
Q3.
What do Catholics believe about the sanctity of life?
Life is valuable only if it is free from suffering.
Correct answer: Life has intrinsic value because it is created by God.
Human dignity depends on intelligence.
Q4.
Which Christian group believes life is sacred (intrinsic value) but also considers factors like suffering or dignity (extrinsic factors) when making decisions?
Correct answer: Anglicans
Catholics
Humanists
Q5.
Which philosopher is known for sentientism, the idea that the ability to feel pleasure and pain determines life’s value?
Richard Dawkins
Thomas Aquinas
Correct answer: Peter Singer
Q6.
What do Humanists believe about the value of life?
Correct answer: Life is valuable because of its potential and experiences.
Life is only valuable if it is religious.
Life is sacred because it is given by God.

6 Questions

Q1.
According to UK law, how many doctors must approve an abortion before 24 weeks?
one
Correct answer: two
three
Q2.
In the UK, when can an abortion legally take place after 24 weeks?
if the woman is under 18
Correct answer: if there is a serious risk to the woman’s life
if the woman changes her mind
Q3.
Which of the following is a pro-choice argument?
The foetus has the right to life.
Adoption is a better option.
Correct answer: A woman should have control over her own body.
Q4.
What is the difference between a medical and a surgical abortion?
A medical abortion involves surgery, while a surgical abortion uses medication.
Correct answer: A medical abortion uses medication; surgical abortion involves a procedure.
Both procedures require surgery.
Q5.
A is the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth.
Correct Answer: foetus
Q6.
In the UK, abortion must be approved by doctors before being carried out.
Correct Answer: two

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