Abortion Vs Religion

Abortion, otherwise defined as the termination of a pregnancy, has been a concept characterized as an intense source of conflict and division within almost every society for centuries, especially in the more recent years. Today, the majority of people label their abortion stance with words such as “pro-choice” or “pro-life,” and a significant portion of the population choose to abstain from any judgement or interference—a testament to the sensitive nature of the issue. Nonetheless, the primary basis by which one derives his or her stance tends to be religion. Therefore, as a result of the world’s religious diversity, abortion views also tend to be diverse—thus, a passionate conflict is born. Perhaps the first documented account of abortion …show more content…
For example, Islam is practiced by over 99% of the population in Afghanistan (“Afghanistan”). Because the traditional abortion belief of a Muslim is that abortion is haram (forbidden) and should only be allowed in cases of the mother’s compromised survival, Afghanistan’s national abortion policy mirrors the Islamic beliefs (United Nations; “Islam: Abortion”). Similarly, in the predominantly Jewish Israel, Israeli abortion laws follow that of Jewish abortion views. In general, Judaism views all human life to be sacred, and abortion is negatively perceived. However, if the mother’s health is in question, or in cases of fetal impairment or rape, abortion is allowed—although different schools of Judaism express different views defining which conditions allow for an abortion (United Nations; “Judaism: Abortion”). Likewise, the Israeli nation does not permit abortion upon request or for economic/social reasons, but does allow abortion in the circumstances dictated by the Jewish majority. Additionally, in Costa Rica, a country that identifies Roman Catholicism as its national religion, no elective abortion is allowed (in accordance with Christian values that life is sacred), but in circumstances that jeopardize the mother’s life or physical/mental health, a physician-performed abortion is allowed (United Nations). Therefore, in these nations that have adopted a specific religion to guide its legislature, its citizens would likely argue for universal abolition, or at least partial abolition, of abortion. In addition, as a result of the nature of abortion and the foundation by which religion-based people support their beliefs, these countries’ inhabitants are generally passionate in their belief that all nations should prohibit abortion, as sacred human lives are at