What is Abortion and why would women want one? Aim: to understand what Abortion is and what the law says about it. Starter: State 2 views as to when life begins? (2 marks) Outline 2 views as to when life begins? (4 marks)

Starter Questions What different skills are needed for the State and Outline questions? How long should you have spent on these questions in the exam? Peer marking

State 2 views as to when life begins? (2 marks) Conception Birth Outline 2 views as to when life begins? (4 marks) Some people argue that life begins at conception when the sperm and egg meet. They may argue that all life is sacred or special to God and that life begins at this point as God has made the new life. Other people may say life begins at birth as the baby is now born and can survive independently from the mother. Can someone come to the board and mark the PEE!

Key Term- Abortion Abortion is the premature removal from the womb of a foetus during pregnancy. If this happens naturally it is known as a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.

Abortion – the premature expulsion of the foetus from the womb before pregnancy reaches full term (40 wks) Two types Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion- this happens naturally. Procured abortion- deliberately ending the pregnancy; an operation to remove the foetus from the womb. Higher level

Reasons for having an abortion…

Can we categorise any of these reasons? What categories could we come up with? Think, Pair, Share with your partner.

Key words Viability – Termination – Physical health – Mental health – Write down what each of these words mean and then write a paragraph explaining how they link to the topic of abortion and the law.

Key words Viability – the time at which a foetus can survive outside the womb Termination – ending a pregnancy via a medical procedure (abortion) Physical health – the state of a woman's or foetus/baby’s bodily health. Mental health – the state of a woman's or foetus/baby’s mind health.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvbaeAqAJPE What the law says

Reflection Why is the ‘women’s health’ condition often seen as an ‘easy way out’ for a woman to have an abortion?

Abortion and the Law The Abortion Act (1967) made abortion legal if : Before 1967 abortion was illegal in the U.K. The Abortion Act (1967) made abortion legal if : 2 doctors agree and it is carried out "before the time of viability" i.e. before the baby could survive outside the womb (put at 28 weeks in 1967). To continue the pregnancy would put the mother or other members of the family at greater risk. It is necessary to avoid permanent injury, physical or psychological to the mother. There is real risk that the baby would be born handicapped or deformed. The 1990 Act lowered the time of viability to 24 weeks. The time of viability might be lowered in the future – why?

Abortion and the Law Quiz Is abortion legal in this country? True or False? True

Abortion and the Law Quiz If abortion is allowed in England what is the cut off point for abortion? 24 weeks

Abortion and the Law Quiz Why do you think the cut off point for abortion is at 24 weeks? This is before viability occurs, however some people believe the abortion limit should be reduced to 20 weeks as babies have survived outside the womb from this stage. Michael Hunt (MP) says viability should be 12 weeks.

Abortion and the Law Quiz If abortion is legal in England, then there are five conditions that must be followed, what are these conditions? Two doctors must agree It must be before 24 weeks It can occur if the mother’s physical or mental health is at risk. It can occur if the baby will be born with a disability It can occur if existing children are at risk.

Class Discussion If a woman approaches the doctor and says ‘ I can’t have my baby, I can’t afford to keep it.’ Why is it likely that she will be allowed an abortion, when not having enough money is not one of the conditions for having an abortion? Is it right she would probably be allowed an abortion?

Read the article…could this woman’s actions ever be justified? Use the class discussion to lead into a conscience alley.

Exam Question and Peer mark ‘There should be no limit on abortions’. 3 marks AGREE DISAGREE