Abortion: GCSE Religious Studies Definition

What is abortion?

In GCSE Religious Studies, abortion is generally understood as the removal of a foetus from the womb in order to end a pregnancy. Abortion is legal in the UK, but there are strict rules governing its use.

What are religious attitudes towards abortion?

Religious attitudes towards abortion vary, but all religions are generally opposed in principle to abortion. This is because of religious teachings about the sanctity of life. Because all life is God-given and holy, humans should not have the right to take life away.

For Roman Catholic Christians, life begins at the moment of conception so abortion is a form of killing. Other Christians would say that abortion should be allowed in certain circumstances. For example, if the mother’s life is at risk from continuing with the pregnancy, an abortion could be considered the ‘lesser of two evils’. 

Islam also believes in the sanctity of life and so allows abortion only in certain circumstances, especially after 120 days when ensoulment has taken place.

Abortion Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can learn more about abortion in our GCSE Religious Studies revision note pages:

Religion and Abortion (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A)

Christianity and Abortion (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

Islam and Abortion (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

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