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Year 11
Eduqas

Contrasting views on abortion

I can explain different ethical arguments and Christian views on abortion.

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New
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Year 11
Eduqas

Contrasting views on abortion

I can explain different ethical arguments and Christian views on abortion.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under certain conditions.
  2. Jeremiah 1:5 suggests abortion is wrong, while Matthew 22:39 could support it as a loving choice in certain situations.
  3. Most Christian denominations are pro-life, but some may accept abortion in specific circumstances.
  4. Pro-choice arguments support a woman's right to choose
  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 so it does not result in the birth of a child

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

  • 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

  • Sacred - something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect

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 11 religious education lesson on: Contrasting views on 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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Licence

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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
When did modern humans first appear?
3.8 billion years ago
4.5 million years ago
Correct answer: 300,000 years ago
Q2.
What is natural selection?
Correct answer: a process where species evolve based on survival advantages
the belief that humans are superior to animals
a law regulating animal testing
Q3.
What does the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulate?
the banning of all animal testing
Correct answer: the ethical treatment of animals used in scientific research
the protection of endangered species
Q4.
What does Richard Dawkins believe about evolution?
it is directed by a higher power
Correct answer: it is caused by genetic mutations and survival of the fittest
it suggests animals have no moral worth
Q5.
What is speciesism?
Correct answer: the belief that some species are naturally superior to others
the idea that all animals should have the same rights as humans
the study of how species are classified
Q6.
Peter Singer believes that all beings deserve moral consideration.
Correct Answer: sentient, Sentient

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the term ‘abortion’ refer to?
the natural termination of a pregnancy
Correct answer: the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
the medical process of delivering a baby early
Q2.
What is a key belief of those who support the pro-life argument?
a woman should have the right to choose to terminate her pregnancy
Correct answer: a foetus has a right to life
abortion should be legal under all circumstances
Q3.
Which biblical teaching could be used to argue against abortion?
Correct answer: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
“Let the little children come to me.” (Mark 10:14)
Q4.
Which of these is a view of abortion held by some Christian denominations such as the Church of England?
abortion is always morally wrong
abortion should never be allowed under any circumstances
Correct answer: abortion may be the most loving option in certain circumstances
Q5.
What does Natural Law, as discussed by Thomas Aquinas, say about abortion?
abortion is permissible if the mother’s health is at risk
Correct answer: abortion is wrong because it violates the natural order of life
Natural Law has no bearing on the issue of abortion
Q6.
Which of the following is a pro-choice argument for allowing abortion?
the foetus has intrinsic value and a right to life
Correct answer: a woman has the right to make decisions about her own body
abortion is only acceptable in extreme cases

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