What is the stance on abortion in Hinduism?
Hinduism is one of the oldest and most popular religions in the world. From India, it has spread to various regions and continues to be one of the most popular religions today. Hence, it is only natural that many people would like to know the Hindu standpoint on various topics, including abortion.
In Hinduism, abortion is allowed in some situations, but only under special circumstances. According to the Manusmriti, or “Laws of Manu,” abortion is allowed if the unborn baby poses a threat to the mother’s life or if its birth would cause severe mental or physical suffering to the mother. However, abortion is not allowed for merely convenience or other frivolous reasons.
According to spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “There is no black and white answer for the topic of abortion in Hinduism.” It is a personal matter and ultimately between the woman and her family on what decision is made. However, he strongly recommends that abortion should only be done after serious contemplation and consideration to ensure the decision is based solely on the best interest of everyone involved, especially the unborn child.
The Hindu religion emphasizes the importance of preserving life as all living beings have an eternal soul, and therefore abortion is only allowed in legitimate cases. doctor and Hindu scholar Dr. Shiv Sharma states, “Hindus believe all life should be valued and preserved. We see killing, and even abortion, as a last resort and must always be done after serious thought and contemplation and with the consent of the other stakeholders.”
Hinduism also prescribes certain rituals and customs meant to honour the unborn child. In some cases, a pregnant woman may be asked to conduct a ritual known as a “Grichaamma yaga”, which is meant to ask God to forgive the mother for aborting the child before it could be born. This is seen as a way of showing respect for the child as well as remorse for the action.
Moreover, Hindu scriptures suggest that abortion may have a negative impact on the soul, if done without a justified reason. According to the Laws of Manu, those who commit an abortion could be subject to a range of consequences from a bad karma to casting the baby’s soul into a lower rebirth. This emphasises that Hindus should always contemplate the consequences of their actions and choose their path wisely.
The moral aspects of abortion in Hinduism
Hinduism is rooted in the concept of karma, which implies that all actions have consequences. Thus, even when it comes to abortion, Hinduism believes that it should not be done out of convenience but with heavy consideration of the moral outcome.
Moreover, Hindus consider a fetus to be alive and conscious, even in the womb. Hence, they consider the act of abortion to be a form of violence and a disruption of the divine plan. As such, Hindus view abortion as a sin that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Moreover, Hinduism promotes the idea of a holistic approach to life where the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life should be equally valued. An abortion could lead to an imbalance as it could mean denying a living soul the opportunity to experience this world.
Finally, Hinduism encourages the veneration of the sanctity of life from conception till death. All life forms, including those in the womb, should be seen as sacred and revered. Thus, Hindus believe that any decision to abort a child should only be made after carefully weighing the moral implications.
What are the ethics of abortion in Hinduism?
The question of ethics in regards to abortion is a highly debated topic in both religious and secular circles. Despite its traditionally conservative roots, Hinduism has taken a more progressive approach in recent times when it comes to the ethics of abortion.
One of the main arguments in favour of abortion is that it gives women autonomy to make decisions regarding their own bodies, and their reproductive choices. In Hinduism, this right is enshrined in the fourth of the ten main commandments, which states “A woman should be able to make her own decisions”. Thus, Hinduism supports the right of a woman to choose an abortion, should she desire it.
Moreover, Hinduism advocates for a broad ethical framework rather than narrow rules. This means that the pros and cons of any action should be weighed before taking any decision. Thus, in the case of abortion, Hindus should take into consideration all relevant factors before making a decision, as every case is unique.
Furthermore, in some cases, abortion could be seen as an act of compassion. In cases where a mother’s health is at risk due to the pregnancy, or when there is a fetal abnormality, abortion could be seen as an act of protection or mercy, and would thus be seen as ethically permissible.
Finally, Hinduism emphasizes the need for balance. Abortion can be seen as a way to correct an imbalance, such as when a woman is faced with a physically or mentally difficult pregnancy. In this light, abortion can be seen as a way to restore balance and maintain harmony.
How is abortion viewed in different Hindu communities?
The views on abortion in Hinduism vary depending on the region and community. Generally, most Hindu communities believe that abortion should only be done in extreme cases when there is a risk to the mother’s health or when childbirth could cause severe suffering. However, there are some communities that allow abortion in additional cases.
For example, in Tamil Nadu, the Kalaripayattu community allows abortion even in cases of accidental pregnancies. They believe that since the pregnancy is an unintentional result of the parents’ fault, it is justified to abort the unborn child. Furthermore, in some Hindu communities in Bihar, abortion is also allowed in cases of financial difficulties, such as a lack of resources to provide for the child.
However, overall, the vast majority of Hindu communities do not support abortion outside of extreme cases, and even then, it must only be undertaken after careful consideration and with the consent of all stakeholders.
What does the modern Hindu woman think about abortion?
The modern Hindu woman is highly conscious of her rights, and she is aware of the changing times and the evolving moral landscape. Thus, she often takes a more progressive approach when it comes to the question of abortion.
The modern Hindu woman is more likely to view abortion as an option to be exercised when necessary and within legitimate means. She is also more likely to take a nuanced approach to the issue, being aware of the consequences of her actions and being mindful of the feelings and opinions of everyone involved, including the unborn child.
Moreover, the modern Hindu woman is likely to have access to proper medical advice and to be able to access safe and legal abortion services should she require them. Thus, while Hinduism continues to generally prohibit abortion, modern Hindu women are better informed and more likely to be able to make an informed decision.
Conclusion: Is abortion okay in Hinduism?
Hinduism’s stance on abortion is ultimately a personal one and should be handled with care. Abortion is generally seen as an act of violence and a disruption of the divine plan, and should only be done if absolutely necessary. However, due to the changing times, more Hindu communities are taking a more progressive view of the moral implications of abortion and are allowing it under certain circumstances. Ultimately, the decision is best left to the discretion of the woman and her family.
