1. Abortion

2. Common Arguments For/Against
Pro-Choice
Pro-Life
1st trimester when fetus cannot support itself
Personhood differs from human life
Adoption is not an alternative—remains the woman’s choice
Safe medical procedure
Cause further psychological harm in hard cases
Personal autonomy is a civil right
Teenage parents have grim prospects
Life begins at conception
No civilization allows intentional harm w/o punishment—law must protect the most basic human rights
Adoption
Medical complications
Proper support for hard cases
Not a form of contraception
Procedure risks

3. When does human life begin?
Common source of debate for the abortion issue
Aristotle: men—40 days after conception; women—80 days after conception
Roe v. Wade: fetus is only a potential person and is not accorded civil rites under the constitution
Self-consciousness, rationality, autonomy are required to possess personhood
Catholics: from moment of conception until our natural death we possess a human life

4. Catechism of the Catholic Church
2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person -- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. (72)

5. Church’s Stance ALWAYS a grave evil
Forbidden in scripture and Tradition
Consider the conservation of human dignity
“…direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being.” (Evangelium Vitae 62)

6. Catechism of the Catholic Church
2274 Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.

7. Definition From the Latin word aboriri = “to perish”
“the loss of a fetal life”
Direct and Indirect abortion

8. Indirect Abortion
The evacuation is not the intended or directly willed result, but the side effect, of some legitimate procedure
As such it is morally allowable
Only two acceptable occasions

9. Indirect Abortion and the Double Effect
A rule of conduct frequently used in moral theology to determine when a person may lawfully perform an action from which two effects will follow, one bad, and the other good
Theologians commonly teach that four conditions must be verified in order that a person may legitimately perform such an act

10. Double Effect Conditions
The act itself must be morally good (or indifferent)
The agent may not positively will the bad effect (but may merely permit it). If he could attain the good effect without the bad effect, he should do so.
In other words, the good effect must be produced directly by the action, not by the bad effect. (Otherwise, the agent would be using a bad means to a good end)
The good effect must be sufficiently desirable to compensate for the allowing of the bad effect.

11. Indirect Abortion—Excised Uterus
A pregnant uterus is removed because its condition is medically necessary
There is a living and nonviable fetus
The death of the fetus is a secondary effect and therefore is not directly attacked

12. Excised Uterus AND Double Effect
Surgeon intends to save the mother’s life (while it is clear the fetus will die, that is not the intention)
Surgeon’s act consists of removing a diseased part of the body which is jeopardizing the mother’s life—presence of the fetus does not alter the nature of the act
The evil effect (death of the fetus) does not cause the good effect (saving the mother)
Safeguarding the mother’s health is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the death of the fetus

13. Indirect Abortion—Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
Fertilized ovum lodges in part of the Fallopian tube
The implanted embryo perforates the tube and hemorrhaging begins
The growing fetus will eventually rupture the tube—this may kill the mother if surgery isn’t performed

14. Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: Removing the Fetus vs
Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: Removing the Fetus vs. Removing the Fallopian Tube
Splitting the Fallopian and removing the fetus would be gravely evil—direct attack on the fetus
The surgeon sets up to destroy the fetus as a means of curing the mother
Removing the entire tube if it is in a gravely dangerous condition or has ruptured is morally acceptable

15. Excised Tube and Double Effect
Surgeon intends to save the mother’s life (while it is clear the fetus will die, that is not the intention)
Surgeon’s act consists of removing a diseased part of the body which is jeopardizing the mother’s life—presence of the fetus does not alter the nature of the act
The evil effect (death of the fetus) does not cause the good effect (saving the mother)
Safeguarding the mother’s health is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the death of the fetus

16. When Health Isn’t a Morally Licit Reason
If the mother has a pre-existing condition where pregnancy will cause grave health concerns, abortion is not morally acceptable
If the deceased organ does not pose a grave and immediate risk

17. Direct Abortion
A destruction of the product of human conception, whether before or after implantation in the womb.
Intended either as an end in itself or as a means to an end.

18. Interesting Stats (USA)
~6 million women become pregnant per year
~1.2 million women have an abortion
In 2005, 22% of all pregnancies ended in abortion (USA)
54% of women who had an abortion in 2005, used some form of contraception (USA)
9/10 abortions are performed in the first 12 weeks (1st trimester)
30% of pregnant teens have an abortion
60% of their parents know about it (most support it)

19. Common Justifications for Abortion
Birth control failure
Inability to support or care for a child
End an unwanted pregnancy
Fetal abnormalities
Rape/incest
Mother’s health
***Less than 6% of abortions are a result of the final three justifications.
***Commonly used as justifications because of the emotional weight they hold

20. Fetal Abnormalities
Amniocentesis: tests a sample of amniotic fluid for abnormalities (i.e. Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida, etc.)
Performed after the 1st trimester
Regardless of abnormalities, the fetus (and baby) have intrinsic human value
1% of abortions are related to fetal abnormalities

21. Rape and/or Incest
Does a person’s value change based on their physical condition or the circumstances of their conception???
We should not give a baby a death sentence for something it did not do
The woman is often forced to hold on to the evil of rape in order to justify the guilt of the abortion (prevents healing from occurring)
1% of abortion cases are related to rape/incest

22. Mother’s Health Indirect abortion=morally accepted
Any other reason is morally unacceptable
3% of abortion cases related to mother’s health

23. Support and Resources
Organizations designed to offer support during the decision making process and after
Back Porch (Edmonton, AB) offers counselling and various educational resources
For men and women!!
Specialized schools and day cares for teens
Over 5000 abortions are performed each year in Edmonton

24. Statistics (USA) In 2005, 22% of all pregnancies ended in abortion
54% of women who had an abortion in 2005, used some form of contraception
More than 12,000 abortions in Alberta (2008)
More than 105,000 abortions in Canada (2000)
By age 45, 1 in 2.5 women have had an abortion

25. Abortion Percentage by Country

26. Canada:

27. Canadian Statistics 2004 Teenagers accounted for 17% of abortions
Age accounted for 53% of abortions
304 abortions performed on girls 14 or younger
Since legalization in 1969, 2,790,166 fetuses have been aborted (doesn’t account for Morning After Pill)
One of the contributing factors to our declining fertility rate

28. Statistics Con’t Abortion rates have dropped over the passed decade.
What may account for this decline?
Teenage pregnancy rates have also dropped
Did you know that regardless of your position on abortion your tax dollars help pay for the procedures?!

29. Accessibility of Abortions
Hospitals and private clinics across Canada
Less than half of abortions are done in clinics
21 abortion clinics in Canada—ON(13), ON(4), QB(4), AB(2), NF(1), NB(1), MB(1)
116/713 hospitals perform abortions (16%)

30. Abortion in Canada Timeline
1969: decriminalize abortions done by a doctor in a hospital - w/in a couple of years publically funded : Private clinic set up in Montreal; after a series of arrests, Henry Morgentaler is no longer charged for the procedure. 1974: > 1 million signatures for the protection of the unborn 1989: First father denied abortion prevention (now men cannot prevent it) 1991: no legal consequences for two women who aborted a child who was partial birthed

31. Timeline Con’t
1992: after a failed abortion, mother is given a $3.5 million settlement
1994: Pregnant women are recruited for medical abortion trials
1999: Nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital are allowed to decline assisting doctors
1999: Morning after pill is approved by Health Canada
2007: Alberta MP Ken Epp introduces a bill that would make it a separate crime to injure or kill a fetus in the course of an attack. An exemption for women who consent to abortion is included. Bill wasn’t passed.

32. Physical Health Effects
Increase with gestational age past 8 weeks
Complications may be immediate or may take years to show up
Short term: infection of the endometrium, hemorrhage, lacerations, convulsion, saline poisoning, uterine rupture, mortality
Long term: breast cancer and infertility
Risk in future pregnancies: pre-term birth, ectopic pregnancy

33. Psychological Effects of Abortion
Likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders
Especially high for those who have been coerced
Common psychological health problems: anxiety, depression, drug abuse, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, suicidal ideation

34. Methods of Abortion
Induced abortion: active removal of the human embryo or fetus before 20 weeks
Surgical abortion: using surgical instruments
Medical abortion: using pharmaceutical drugs

35. Male Rights
Men cannot prevent their partners (gf/wife) from having an abortion done
They can prevent a baby being placed for adoption
Testimony:

36. Pro-Choice Advocates
Believe it is up to the women to decide what should or should not be done with her body (radical personal autonomy)
Note the lack of the man’s choice and the lack of the baby’s choice
Often associated with feminist ideology
May say “I wouldn’t get an abortion, but others should have the right to choose.”

37. Pro Life Advocates
Anyone who ALWAYS chooses the preservation of life over the destruction of it
Not just a Christian perspective
Actively promote life through discussion, actions and prayer
NEVER use images of aborted fetuses to promote the cause = OBJECTIFICATION

38. Pro Life Not Just For Christians
LDS: "elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God.”
Hinduism: Unless a mother's health is at risk, traditional Hindu teachings condemn abortion because it is thought to violate the religion's teachings of non-violence. The general value system of Hinduism teaches that the correct course of action in any given situation is the one that causes the least harm to those involved.

39. Other Religions Con’t
Islam: at 4 months a fetus has a soul—abortion is not permissible at this point
Most argue that before 4 months it should only occur if the mother’s life is at risk or in cases of rape
Judaism: safe-guard life and well-being of a mother
Some denominations advocate for safe and accessible abortion

40. Other Religions con’t
Protestants: official stance differs between denominations (many are pro-choice or have various “exceptions”)
Buddhists: no official teaching; believe life starts at conception and that killing is morally wrong
Sikhism: Life starts at conception; very strict stance against abortion
***Consider political and cultural impacts on abortion views

41. How you can get involved…
Understand the issue and recognize where your stance comes from
Support and/or volunteer at Back Porch or other support organizations
Life Chain and other various activities
Prayer

42. References
“Pro-Life Versus Pro-Choice: Understanding the Moral Evil of Abortion Issues” by Elizabeth Driedger Youth Update: Abortion (magazine)