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Abortion — the deliberate termination of a pregnancy — is one of the most controversial ethical issues in society. Religious believers hold a range of views on abortion, from absolute opposition to conditional acceptance. This lesson explores Christian and Islamic perspectives alongside secular ethical arguments.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abortion | The deliberate termination of a pregnancy, usually before the foetus is viable outside the womb |
| Pro-life | The view that abortion is wrong because life begins at conception and must be protected |
| Pro-choice | The view that women should have the right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy |
| Viability | The point at which a foetus can survive outside the womb (approximately 24 weeks) |
| Ensoulment | The point at which the soul enters the body — debated in both Christianity and Islam |
| Conception | The moment when sperm fertilises an egg, creating a new life |
The Abortion Act 1967 (amended 1990) allows abortion in England, Wales, and Scotland:
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