ABORTION: A MORAL ISSUEBecca Mungar

WHAT IS ABORTION?

In medicine, an abortion is the premature exit of the products of conception (the fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta) from the uterus. It is the loss of a pregnancy and does not refer to why that pregnancy was lost

Abortion is the medical term for ending a pregnancy by various means before the natural term.

Induced expulsion of a human fetus

TYPES OF ABORTIONS AND THEIR PROCEDURES:

SURGICAL ABORTIONS (ALSO CALLED, MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION):

This is the most common abortion, and is performed by a doctor in a clinic or hospital.

Takes approx. 5-10 minutes. In clinics, local anaesthetic is used(only cervix is frozen), and in hospitals, general anaesthetic is used (woman is put to sleep for procedure).

SURGICAL ABORTION PROCEDURE:1. An ultrasound is conducted to confirm the number

of weeks of pregnancy in order to determine how much the cervix needs to be dilated

2. Before dilation is initiated, the cervix is examined using a speculum, cervix is then numbed by injection of anaesthetic

3. The physician then gradually dilates cervix

4. A small hollow tube attached to an aspirator machine (similar to what dentists use to clear the mouth of saliva) is inserted in the uterus and used to remove contents

5. A loop-shaped instrument (called a curette) is then used to ensure that no tissue remains in the uterus

ABORTION PILL (ALSO CALLED, RU486 OR MEDICATION ABORTION):

A form of early abortion caused by two medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol

This type of abortion is an option for women who are 8 weeks pregnant or less

PROCEDURE OF THE ABORTION PILL:

1. The woman will receive the mifepristone pill to take orally at the clinic she goes to

2. Then, 24-72 hours later the woman will take the second pill, misoprostol, at home

3. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes contractions resulting in a miscarriage.

4. The two pills combined are 95-97% effective within two weeks.

5. Side-effects may include heavy bleeding, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy cramping.

ACCIDENTAL ABORTION (MISCARRIAGE OR STILLBIRTH):

Not normally viewed as a type of abortion.

SOCIETAL VIEWS: PRO-LIFE OR PRO-CHOICE

PRO-CHOICE:

The political and ethical view that a woman should have the choice to continue or terminate a pregnancy.

Normally people who are for this position advocate women’s rights.

PRO-LIFE:

A political and ethical opposition to elective abortion; support for its legal prohibition or restriction.

“A right to life!”

This position is commonly supported among most Christians and Muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF9Km5ni8-Q Video about a woman who had an abortion.

WHAT THE HOLY BIBLE HAS TO SAY:

Although there are technically no teachings on abortion in the bible, there is much said about children in the womb, and women with child.

Abortion is terminating the life of an innocent child, therefore one would be breaking the fifth commandment:

Thou Shall Not Kill- Exodus 20:13

"If men strive, and hurt a women with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life"

- Exodus 21:22-23 The Bible strongly protects the pregnant mother

and her child, so that every pregnant mother has a strong hedge of legal protection around her.

If man through his own reckless actions, unintentionally hurts a pregnant mother and causes her to abort a child, he must suffer the death penalty. How much more so for any person who intentionally induces an abortion?

The Bible strongly protects human life from the moment of conception. With the phrase "if any mischief follow," the child has equal protection under the law from the moment of conception "life for life."

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy”

-Proverbs 31:8-9

Due to the fact that the unborn child has no voice, God calls us to speak up for him or her, just as we would for someone who is bullied, someone who is a minority, someone who is abused, etc.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet of the nations”

- Jeremiah 1:5

The bible states that life begins in the womb, therefore killing the child inside of a woman’s womb is taking an innocent life, which is against God’s will

WHAT THE CATECHISM HAS TO SAY ABOUT ABORTION:

A FEW POINTS: 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

Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:

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

Mommy keep me safe,Mommy keep me warm,

Handle me with all your love,Mommy keep me from harm.I’m only six weeks old today,

This birthday gift to me,A pair of bright blue eyes,

That someday you will see.I’ve barely got ears,A little puppy nose,

and at the end of my feet,Little things called toes.

Looking forward to my life,toys, teddy bears, snails,

and long fairy tales.Where are we going mommy,

in a bath, on a bus ride or,perhaps far away.

Where are we being pushed atall force.

How funny it feels passing throughdoors, people dressed in green,

if they hurt you mommy just scream.What’s happening mommy,

I’m starting to cry,Mommy come quickly,they’re making me die,

Killing me quickly,Pulling me apart,

everything inside of meeven my heart,

Bye mommy, good-byeBut how I wanted to see

the grass, the trees,hear a sweet song,feel a sweet breeze.

Bye mommygood-byeI love YouI really do

I just wish you could love me too

-Unknown

QUESTIONS????QUESTIONS????