1. LO: To explore the rights of those involved in the pregnancy
Starter: Make a list of the people involved in a pregnancy and then number them according to their order of importance

2. Rights of the unborn…
People who often debate about abortion talk about the rights of those involved. They discuss whether it is morally or legally acceptable and who has what right to decide.
Those who support the rights of the unborn child say that it has a life of some sort, even though there are arguments about when ‘life’ begins.
The foetus is dependent on the mother and cannot speak for itself therefore it needs protection. The baby is unique and deserves the right to life like anyone else.
Does the unborn child have any rights? Discuss with your partner and then write down 2 arguments for and against.

3. Rights of the mother…
Some people emphasis the right of the woman to choose whether or not to have the child. The foetus is in her body and it is her health, her life and freedom that will be affected the most.
A legal abortion in early pregnancy is easy and safe – safer than childbirth. Some people argue that if women did not have to wait for two doctors to agree, abortions could be even quicker and even safer.
Should the mother have the right to decide? Discuss with your partner and then write down 2 arguments for and against.

4. Rights of the father…
Fathers are often overlooked when the situation of abortion arises. Although a father has a legal responsibility for their children, there are no rights which support the fathers choice of whether he wants the baby or not.
There are often situations where the father may not want the child but the mother does, or where the father does want the child but the mother doesn’t. In both these cases the father would have to follow the decision of the mother.
In China in 2002 a man sued his wife for denying him the right to have a child as she aborted it. Under a new equal rights law, he won his case.
Should the father have any rights? Discuss with your partner and then write down 2 arguments for and against.

5. “A woman can legally deprive a man of his right to become a parent or force him to become one against his will.” – Armin Brott
Where do you stand on Armin Brott’s statement? Give a reason for and against – showing both sides of the argument