The Christian Attitude to Abortion

This unit will look firstly at the general Christian view on Abortion and then at the specific views of the different Christian (Church) denominations.

THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

Christians believe that all life is a gift from God. Human life is precious and sacred. Men and women are 'created in the image of God' and are therefore superior and different to all other forms of life. Men and women are unique since they bear a striking resemblance to God because they have a spiritual capacity that all other forms of life do not have. (The Bible, Psalm 8 verse 5) "You made him (man) a little lower than heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour".

Since man is given dominion over all other forms of life (The Bible, Psalm 8 verses 6-8), human kind can shape events in a way no other life forms can. A key responsibility of humans must be to respect all forms of life especially human life. Since mankind is created in God's image, it is all to be nurtured, supported and protected. All human beings are therefore equal in God's sight, no person or group of people is inferior to another and equal respect must be given to the very young and very old. The 6th commandment "Thou shall not kill" is taken by Christians to mean that no-one has the right to end the life of another human being prematurely - under any circumstances. (The Bible, Psalm 139 verse 13) says "You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb". Christians believe that God alone should determine a person's moment of conception as well as their moment of death.

DIFFERENT VIEWS

Christians are divided on the issue of abortion. Is it a modern necessity of life or not? The morality, or otherwise, of an abortion is very difficult to assess and must, ultimately, rest with the mother. Whatever she decides she must live with the consequences of her decision. All Christians believe it is vital to offer support to all who face hard choices such as these, they should be supported, regardless of what they decide. Christians should be concerned with enhancing life and relieving physical and emotional suffering.