“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13, New International Version). This verse often comes up during debates over the divisive topic of abortion. It is a command directly from the bible that makes the abortion debate very straightforward in the eyes of those that are pro-life. However, abortion cannot be summed up so concisely. Although most of humanity would agree that murder is wrong, is that what abortion is? There are a multitude of facets to be explored in this area both scientifically and religiously before we can try to make a judgment call on the morality of terminating a pregnancy.
The Steps to Termination There are many reasons a woman may choose to terminate a pregnancy. In a study done by Guttmacher Institute 89% of woman gave more …show more content…
Of those, almost 10 percent of the physiological problems that arose had a direct correlation with the abortion. These mental problems can take on a variety of forms including depression, drug or alcohol abuse, and anxiety. Large scale studies have also shown that the rate of suicide directly following an abortion is six times greater than average. Outside of the aforementioned clinical issues, abortion can also damage relationships and cause a great deal of regret down the road (Andrusko, 2013)
Religious Implications
One might think that abortion is a decision that is between a woman and her conscience but many religious institutions would beg to differ. Christians the world over hold the view that this matter should be of concern to both a woman and her God. Because such an act affects not just the mind but also the heart, and because it involves life and death, a solely intellectual solutions is not satisfactory. Therefore, many turn to faith to seek comfort, advice, and sometimes even atonement for their decision. (Hauerwas, n.d.)
Seventh-day Adventist …show more content…
At the forefront of this campaign is the Catholic Church. They are staunchly anti-abortion in all circumstances. In many ways this leads them to be a very vocal minority who lead the debate on a national level. An organization this size can hold a great deal of sway of people and can use their power to affect lawmaking in our government. While Catholicism is on the far side of the spectrum it is comforting to know that not all churches are so extreme with their views. Many hold some medium ground in which they approve of abortion for extreme circumstances or within a certain time period after conception. Islam, for example, generally approves that termination of a pregnancy is permissible up until four months post conception, at which point they believe the fetus has become a living soul. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches hold views not unlike those of the Seventh-day Adventist church. While there are many varying doctrines, the overwhelming theme among religious entities is one of personal morality. One that promotes abortion a side effect of living in a fallen world and as a decision that is ultimately one that must be made between a woman and God (Brundt,
The Steps to Termination There are many reasons a woman may choose to terminate a pregnancy. In a study done by Guttmacher Institute 89% of woman gave more …show more content…
Of those, almost 10 percent of the physiological problems that arose had a direct correlation with the abortion. These mental problems can take on a variety of forms including depression, drug or alcohol abuse, and anxiety. Large scale studies have also shown that the rate of suicide directly following an abortion is six times greater than average. Outside of the aforementioned clinical issues, abortion can also damage relationships and cause a great deal of regret down the road (Andrusko, 2013)
Religious Implications
One might think that abortion is a decision that is between a woman and her conscience but many religious institutions would beg to differ. Christians the world over hold the view that this matter should be of concern to both a woman and her God. Because such an act affects not just the mind but also the heart, and because it involves life and death, a solely intellectual solutions is not satisfactory. Therefore, many turn to faith to seek comfort, advice, and sometimes even atonement for their decision. (Hauerwas, n.d.)
Seventh-day Adventist …show more content…
At the forefront of this campaign is the Catholic Church. They are staunchly anti-abortion in all circumstances. In many ways this leads them to be a very vocal minority who lead the debate on a national level. An organization this size can hold a great deal of sway of people and can use their power to affect lawmaking in our government. While Catholicism is on the far side of the spectrum it is comforting to know that not all churches are so extreme with their views. Many hold some medium ground in which they approve of abortion for extreme circumstances or within a certain time period after conception. Islam, for example, generally approves that termination of a pregnancy is permissible up until four months post conception, at which point they believe the fetus has become a living soul. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches hold views not unlike those of the Seventh-day Adventist church. While there are many varying doctrines, the overwhelming theme among religious entities is one of personal morality. One that promotes abortion a side effect of living in a fallen world and as a decision that is ultimately one that must be made between a woman and God (Brundt,