What views do people have about abortion? Is it right or wrong? When does life begin?

What does this class think about abortion? YESNODON’T KNOW Abortion is murder Abortion is OK but only in some circumstances A woman has the right to choose what happens to her own body The rights of the unborn child are more important than the rights of the mother Abortion - an operation or other intervention to end a pregnancy by removing an embryo or foetus from the womb

The way of aborting a pregnancy depends when it is done. Before 24 weeks: Surgical.(operation) Medical.(tablets) After 24 weeks: “Partial birth” The foetus is killed through lethal injection and then the woman has to deliver it as normal. How are abortions carried out?

Vacuum Aspiration or Sharp Curettage: 6-16 wks Operation under general anaesthetic. The pregnancy is sucked out through a tube. How are abortions carried out?

Mifepristone (RU486)/Prostaglandin's: 5-7 wks A tablet is inserted into the vagina which makes the womb soft. 2 days later more tablets are given which causes the womb to bleed for hours. The pregnancy comes out in the blood. How are abortions carried out?

8 week old baby

11 week old baby

22 week old baby

The Statistics 179,398 women in England and Wales had an abortion in ENGLAND AND WALES ABORTIONS in 2006 –Under 9 weeks: 54.9% –9-12 weeks: 34.3% –13-19 weeks: 9.2% –20-24 weeks: 1.5%

The Statistics The statistics, for 2006, showed nearly 15,000 women were having their third or more abortion, while 54 of those had terminated eight or more pregnancies. women seeking terminations were most likely to have fallen into the 18-to-24 age category.

Pro-Life v Pro-Choice The debate surrounding abortion can be divided into two groups Pro-Life generally believe that abortion is wrong Pro-Choice generally believe that a woman has the right to choose and therefore believe abortion is right

When Does Life Begin? Much of the debate surrounding abortion is focused around when life actually begins

Conception The moment the egg is fertilised. According to many - especially the Catholic Church - the fertilised egg or embryo must be treated as a person. The fertilised egg contains the full genetic code of the human being. Does the beginning of biological life mean the foetus has the right to live?

Quickening When the foetus first moves in the womb ( weeks after fertilisation) Derives from an old Christian theory that this is when the foetus gets its soul There is no medical precedent for this being the start time for human rights

Viability When the foetus is able to survive outside of the womb. Used to govern laws on abortion. The foetus’ ability to survive outside the womb depends on various factors such as, medical facilities, gender, race etc. At the moment this is accepted to be 24 weeks although babies have survived outside the womb before this. Should a baby’s right to life depend on such things as race, gender and medical facilities?

Birth When has a baby actually been born? When part of the baby is outside the mother’s body? When the whole baby is outside the mother’s body? When the placenta is separated from the womb and the baby has to fend for itself? Should a baby’s right to life depend on whether that baby is inside or outside the womb?

“It’s a tragedy to decide a child must die so that you can live as you wish”

The mother is more important than the baby Only God has the right to take away life A rape victim should not have to go through a pregnancy Abortion is murder A woman shouldn’t have to give birth to a disabled baby The most basic human right is the right to life The baby isn’t a life and therefore has no rights Abortion isn’t the only option. The baby could be adopted A woman should have the right to choose what happens to her own body It’s not your body, it’s not your choice Pro - ChoicePro – Life

Should a woman have an abortion if... 1.She was raped? 2.The baby will be born with brain damage? 3.The baby will be born blind? 4.The baby will be born with only one arm? 5.The life of the mother will be at risk during labour? 6.She is mentally ill? 7.She is still at school? 8.She wants to pursue a career? 9.The baby will interfere with her social life? 10.She will have to bring the baby up on her own?

Design a leaflet providing information about abortion The leaflet should be designed for women who are thinking about having an abortion and should include arguments on both sides of the debate Try to ensure your leaflet is impartial It should be as informative and attractive as possible Your Turn...