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Year 11

Different religious views about abortion

I can explain different Christian views on abortion, including key teachings and ethical approaches.

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New
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Year 11

Different religious views about abortion

I can explain different Christian views on abortion, including key teachings and ethical approaches.

Download all resources
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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5) suggests abortion is morally unacceptable.
  2. "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) could support abortion in some loving situations.
  3. "Evangelium Vitae" outlines the Catholic Church’s pro-life stance, backed by Natural Law.
  4. Anglicans and Methodists share a pro-life view but may accept abortion in certain cases using situation ethics.

Keywords

  • Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy

  • Pro-choice - generally in favour of 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

  • Situation ethics - an ethical theory which argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation

Common misconception

All Christians believe the same thing about abortion.

In reality, views vary between denominations, with the Catholic Church strongly opposing abortion, while the Church of England and Methodists allow it in some cases.

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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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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Licence

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

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is a key argument made by pro-life supporters?
the foetus becomes valuable only after birth
abortion should be legal without restrictions
Correct answer: life begins at conception, making abortion morally wrong
a woman’s choice is more important than the foetus’ life
Q2.
Which religious group teaches that life is sacred from conception and generally opposes abortion?
Quakers
Correct answer: Roman Catholics
humanists
Buddhists
Q3.
What is a reason someone might support a woman’s right to have an abortion?
because the foetus has no value at any stage
Correct answer: because a woman’s health and well-being may be at risk
because financial gain is more important than life
because abortion is always an easy decision
Q4.
The procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy is called a abortion.
Correct Answer: medical, Medical
Q5.
In the UK, abortions beyond 24 weeks are allowed if there is a serious risk to the .
Correct Answer: mother, Mother, mum, Mum
Q6.
Prior to becoming a foetus, the developing human is referred to as an .
Correct Answer: embryo, Embryo

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the Catholic Church’s position on abortion?
it is acceptable if the parents cannot afford to raise a child
it is only acceptable when a foetus is diagnosed with a severe condition
Correct answer: it is morally wrong in almost all cases except when the mother’s life is at risk
it is acceptable during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Q2.
Which Christian denomination allows abortion in cases such as when there is a risk to the mother’s health or there is a foetal abnormality?
The Roman Catholic Church
The Baptist Church
Correct answer: The Methodist Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church
Q3.
Which ethical theory supports making abortion decisions based on the most loving action?
Natural Law
divine command theory
Correct answer: situation ethics
utilitarianism
Q4.
The belief that life is sacred because it is given by God is known as the sanctity of belief.
Correct Answer: life, Life
Q5.
The official teaching of the Catholic Church with regards to abortion is outlined in a document called the ' '.
Correct Answer: Evangelium Vitae, evangelium vitae, Evangelium vitae, evangelium Vitae
Q6.
The Christian teaching that humans are made in the image of God is found in the Book of .
Correct Answer: Genesis, genesis