1. What is abortion? Why do people disagree about it?

2. In this lesson, you’re going to learn: What is abortion? How do religious beliefs affect beliefs on abortion? How do beliefs on when life begins affect beliefs on abortion?

3. Keywords: Abortion – the termination of an unborn foetus from the womb before it can survive Conception – the moment of fertilisation, when the sperm and egg meet Viability – the time when the foetus can live independent of its mother (24 weeks)

4. When does life begin? Conception? The age of viability? Birth?

5. Conception: Catholics believe that life begins at conception – the moment that the sperm and egg meet Therefore, they believe that nothing should be done to end this life at any time

6. Viability: Some Christians, for example, liberal protestants – believe that life begins at the age of viability This is the age of 24 weeks, when the foetus can live independently of its mother They believe abortions are ‘the lesser of two evils’ in some cases – and up to this age, abortions can take place

7. Birth: Most people who believe life begins at birth aren’t religious It isn’t wrong to have an abortion at all, in their view

8. What are the laws concerning abortion? Abortions became legal in the UK in 1967 – you were allowed to have an abortion up to 28 weeks into pregnancy There are four conditions that allow abortion: - The mother’s life is at risk - There is a risk of injury or the mother’s physical or mental health - There is a risk that another child would put at risk the mental or physical health of existing children - There is a substantial risk that the baby might be born handicapped (this includes downs syndrome) In 1990, the time limit was changed to 24 weeks, the age of viability

9. More Keywords: Pro-Life – if you’re pro life, you believe that abortion is unacceptable, and you view it as murder of innocent life Pro-Choice – if you’re pro choice, you believe that abortion is the choice of the mother Procured – a procured abortion is an abortion that has been chosen to take place, via an operation Miscarriage – When the foetus dies of natural causes

10. Arguments: Pro life and Pro Choice Pro-Life Life begins at conception – abortion is murder The unborn child deserves the same rights as a human The UN declaration of human rights states that children should be protected – before and after birth Babies are born before 24 weeks – is this baby not alive? Pro-Choice Until the foetus doesn’t depend on it’s mother – it should not have it’s own rights The mothers body: the mothers choice The mothers life could be put at risk for the sake of a child who’s not even born yet Abortion can be the lesser of two evils

11. Plenary, ‘D’ style question: “Abortion is always wrong” i)Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you 2 arguments for your opinion 2 arguments for the opposition State your own believe in the first part