What do we mean when we say ‘That’s not fair.’

Aim: To consider the legal position on abortion and to consider the pro-life/pro-choice debate Abortion and the Law

The Legal Position Before 1967, abortion was illegal in the whole of the UK, women used to turn to individuals unqualified to carry it out. Under the 1967 Abortion act and the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology act, abortion is permitted if two doctors agree that one of the following conditions applies. The woman might die unless the pregnancy is ended There is a substantial risk of the baby being born severely physically or mentally disabled. There is a risk to the woman’s physical or mental health There is a risk to the physical or mental health of her existing children.

Task Why do you think that the law requires two doctors to agree about an abortion? Why might existing children be taken into consideration? ‘A doctors job is to save life, not to end it.’ Respond to this quotation giving arguments F-or and A-gainst.

Rights The law on abortion gives certain rights to mothers, the unborn child and the mother’s existing children, no rights are given to the father. The father does, however have a legal responsibility to support his children financially. Does that seem fair?

The Unborn Child Why might some people say that an unborn child has rights?

Rights of the mother Right to choose It is the right of the woman to choose. The foetus is in her body and she is the most affected party, therefore it should be her say. Right to safety There is criticism of the two doctors policy, if women didn’t have to wait for their agreement they could have the abortion more safely and more quickly.

Right to equality of opportunity Why might supporters say that abortion gives women equal opportunities? Why might women’s rights groups say that abortion is halting progress?

Group Discussion Should fathers have right to stop a woman from having an abortion?

Task ‘If the government provided more free nurseries, women would not be forced into abortions.’ What are some of the different views on this?

Key Words Pro-Life – opposed to abortion; in favour of the life of the foetus Pro-choice – in favour of a woman’s right to choose an abortion