Abortion remains one of the most controversial issues in today’s society. Whether or not abortion is considered a sin in Christianity is a complex issue that has been the topic of much debate, and has left many Christians divided in their opinions.
The Bible never mentions abortion directly, but many believe that the sixth commandment “Thou shall not murder” from Exodus 20:13 applies. From this, some may interpret abortion as a sin. However, there are a varied range of views within Christianity, as people may approach this subject from different perspectives.
One perspective is a strict stance on abortion being an absolute no- no, regardless of the circumstances or potential end result. This viewpoint is held by some Roman Catholics, Fundamentalists and Evangelicals who assert that all life is holy and every life is created by God. They believe each life is sacred, being present and having a soul from the moment of conception, and no amount of time in a womb could alter that. Any interruption of this, whether through abortion or birth control, is seen by them as an offense against God, who owns the lives of the unborn.
At the other end of the spectrum there are those who hold a more liberal opinion that respect the woman’s right to choose and view abortion as an individual moral decision for the woman to make. This comprises mainly of Protestants who believe a woman’s health is her responsibility and her health has a greater value than the possibly-not-born fetus. As such, a fetus’s life should not be prioritised over a woman’s health and it is up to the woman to choose if the health risks outweigh the potential risks of having the child: the woman has the right to make the decision, with or without the help of God.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual Christian’s opinion and conscience on whether they consider abortion a sin. In 2013, a survey of American clergy found that over fifty percent of Protestant leaders believed abortion to be a sin, while over seventy percent of Catholic clergy decided it was a sin. There are several opinions and beliefs held by Christians, some of which allow for abortion and others which prohibit it. It is clear that there is no unified opinion among Christians when it comes to this debate.
Psychological Effects Of Abortion
Over the years, much research has been conducted on the psychological effects of abortion. Although some opponents of abortion have suggested that it leads to severe psychological trauma, medical research suggests this is not always the case. In fact, in many cases, women who have experienced abortion reported that it had a “neutral” effect or even a positive effect on their emotional well being.
In some cases however, abortion can have significant psychological repercussions. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that the most significant predictor of psychological distress or positive well being after an abortion was not the abortion itself, but the individual’s history of psychological well being prior to the abortion. Women who had prior mental health issues or a history of abuse were more likely to experience psychological distress after the abortion than women without a history of such issues.
Furthermore, researches have suggested that the level of support a woman receives after her abortion plays an important role in her psychological well being. Women who reported having informal and formal support reported fewer negative psychological effects than those who felt unsupported after their experience with abortion.
Overall, the evidence provided by medical studies does not support the idea that abortion is always a psychologically damaging experience. However, it is important that women who experience an abortion receive support from professionals and those around them, in order to ensure their emotional wellbeing.
Physical And Medical Side Effects Of An Abortion
Abortion can also have physical as well as psychological side effects, with the severity depending on a number of factors such as the stage of development of the fetus, the method used and the general health of the individual. For example, a study conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that women who have surgical abortions may experience some cramping, bleeding and nausea which usually last up to the following day, while the mental effects can last much longer.
Apart from these immediate side effects, there are potential long-term medical issues that can arise as a result of an abortion. There is evidence that some women may experience reproductive tract infections, infertility, preterm births or birth defects in future pregnancies, although research suggests that the likelihood is relatively low.
Overall, medical research suggests that, in general, the health risks associated with abortion are low, though it is essential for each individual to consult a doctor for tailored, comprehensive advice about their individual circumstance.
Legal Standing Of Abortion
Abortion has also been a contentious legal topic, and many countries have differing laws regarding its legality and regulations. In the United States, abortion was first banned in many states from the late 19th century, but it was not until 1973 that the Supreme Court decriminalised abortions in Roe vs Wade. Under this law, women have the right to an abortion without any governmental interference, up until the time of ‘viability’. This refers to the time in which a fetus is considered to be capable of living outside the womb, and is usually taken to be around 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
In many countries, the legality of abortion rests on “quickening” or the point at which the fetus starts to move. This occurs around 18 weeks and is classified as a point after which an abortion is illegal, in countries such as Austria, Ireland and Germany. In China, abortions are permitted up to 14 weeks and in Singapore, they are permitted up to 24 weeks.
A considerable debate has also arisen in recent years surrounding the issue of ‘late-term abortions’, or those performed after 24 weeks. While some countries do not permit them, others do, with some allowing them up to 28 weeks. Overall, the law regarding abortion varies in different countries, so it is important to understand the relevant legislation in each country.
Exploring The Role Of Religion In The Abortion Debate
The role of religion in the abortion debate is a salient issue, as religious beliefs and values shape individual attitudes towards it. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, some citations from ancient Jewish and Christian texts have been used to suggest it is prohibited.
For example, early Christian writers, such as Jacobus de Voraigne, argued that a fetus received a soul from conception and so killing it was the same as killing a human being. However, modern Christian views on the matter are more nuanced. Many Christians argue for a more compassionate approach, referring to “love your neighbour” from Matthew 22: 39 and the duty to help those in vulnerable situations.
Evangelical Christians agree that we should have compassion for those in difficult circumstances, but argue that the life of the unborn child should also be of utmost importance. In this view, human life is seen as being of paramount importance, and so taking away life before birth is seen as wrong.
Ultimately, there is no set rule within Christianity on the morality of abortion, and opinions vary depending on the individual’s interpretation of the Bible. It is clear that this is a controversial issue which will likely remain in debate for many years to come.
Implications Of The Abortion Debate
The abortion debate has raised a range of implications for governments, societies and individuals. To begin with, the debate has exposed some of the ethical complexities surrounding the legality of abortion and has raised questions about the rights of pregnant women and the unborn fetus.
Furthermore, the discussion has emerged in light of the fact that many women feel they do not have the choice to opt for an abortion when faced with an unwanted pregnancy and thus are put in difficult situations in which they cannot accurately access the medical and psychological care they need. This can have serious implications, particularly in countries in which abortion is illegal or highly restricted.
The discussion also highlights the need for access to contraceptive methods, as birth control can help reduce the potential for an unwanted pregnancy in the first place. In this way, it is important that women and men have the autonomy to access these methods and to use them in order to reduce the potential for a need for an abortion, should an unwanted pregnancy occur.
Finally, the debate has also raised society’s perception of women and their right to bodily autonomy and decision-making. Historically, male partners and relatives have had much more control and influence on the decisions that women take, particularly when it comes to contraception and abortion.
The discussion around abortion highlights a need for greater equality and autonomy for women within society, and for greater recognition for the challenges women face when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.
Alternatives To Abortion
Although the legality and morality of abortion are heavily debated, there are a range of alternative options available for those faced with an unwanted pregnancy. These include keeping the baby, giving the baby up for adoption or parenting it with the assistance of family and friends.
One option is to keep the baby and parent it with the assistance of family and friends. This can be a difficult decision to make and will require a financial and emotional commitment from the parent, as well as support from family and friends. It can also be difficult if the parent is not in a stable financial or emotional situation, and finding suitable housing or work may be challenging.
Alternatively, women may chose to give up their baby for adoption. This may be appropriate if the mother does not feel prepared to raise a baby, and does not feel that having an abortion is the right choice for her. Adoption offers the baby a secure home and family, and can provide closure for the mother as well.
Finally, it is important to consider the option of having an abortion. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and should be discussed with healthcare professionals and those around the individual in order to ensure that informed decisions are taken. It is important to consider the moral, psychological and physical implications as well as potential alternatives before making a choice.
