Lesson Objectives: You will... o Know what abortion is o Understand the ways Christians respond to the issue of abortion and how some use the Bible to back up their view

Key Terms Abortion: the removal of a foetus from the womb before it can survive Sanctity of Life: the belief that life is holy and belongs to God

When does life begin? Stand up at the slide where, for you, life has begun Be prepared to say why

Conception DAY 1 The sperm and ovum join. The cell is smaller than a grain of salt, but has all 46 chromosomes, a complete genetic blueprint.

A 3 day Embryo DAYS 3-4 The fertilised egg travels towards the uterus through the fallopian tube. Cells divide.

2 Weeks DAYS The embryo releases chemicals and hormones that prevent the mother from Menstruating (having a period).

5 Weeks DAY 35 Fingers and toes have formed. Blood is now pumping.

6 Weeks DAY 40 Brain waves are detectable and recordable. Nostrils have formed.

2 months 8 weeks It is now termed a foetus. It contains everything that a fully grown human being has. The foetus is touch sensitive.

9 Weeks The foetus has fingerprints and can move its hands. The baby has begun movement (this used to be known as ‘quickening’.)

10 Weeks The foetus can squint, swallow and wrinkle its forehead.

4 Months The mother has started to show. The foetus can hear. Weighs the same as a letter.

21 Weeks 22 Weeks

24 Weeks/6 Months

7 Months The baby can use four of its five senses and can recognise its mothers voice

Birth The baby is now fully capable of living outside the womb. Birth usually occurs between 266 and 294 days

Look at what your handout says about the Law and abortion and make it into a spiderdiagram

Reminder of outcomes You will... o Know what abortion is o Understand the ways Christians respond to the issue of abortion and how some use the Bible to back up their views

Activity – Look at the pictures below which show different images of a foetus in the womb – one at 5 weeks and the other at 10 weeks. How might someone who is PRO-LIFE (anti- abortion) use the images to argue against abortion?

Episode 2: Understand the ways Christians respond to abortion o Christian teaching on abortion is not simple. Generally Christians believe in the sanctity of life so they will have concerns about abortion, but their attitudes differ. Most agree that abortion is a last resort and many say it is wrong all together. Why?

On your own, become an expert on how one denomination of Christianity responds to abortion. Now you have the chance to become teacher. While your partner takes notes. You spend a few minutes teach them about your topic. Your partner will then teach you! Simples!!

o Choose two of the bible quotes that follow. Copy the quote in your book and then say how it applies to abortion Episode 3: Understand what the Bible says about abortion.

You shall not murder (Ten Commandments) Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you and loved you (Jeremiah 1.5) For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139)

Handy mid-plenary! Draw around your hand. In each finger write something you have learnt about the topic of abortion today – write something in each of the fingers. The best answers will be written in full sentences.

REVD GARETH WILLIAMS BISHOP OF LLANDAFF HIGH SCHOOL