Different religious views about abortion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain different Christian views on abortion, including key teachings and ethical approaches.
Key learning points
- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5) suggests abortion is morally unacceptable.
- "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) could support abortion in some loving situations.
- "Evangelium Vitae" outlines the Catholic Church’s pro-life stance, backed by Natural Law.
- Anglicans and Methodists share a pro-life view but may accept abortion in certain cases using situation ethics.
Keywords
Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
Pro-choice - generally in favour of a woman's right to choose to have an abortion
Pro-life - generally opposed to abortion and in favour of the life of the foetus
Sacred - something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect
Situation ethics - an ethical theory which argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation
Common misconception
All Christians believe the same thing about abortion.
In reality, views vary between denominations, with the Catholic Church strongly opposing abortion, while the Church of England and Methodists allow it in some cases.
Teacher tip
Abortion is a sensitive topic, so set clear expectations for a respectful and open discussion. Emphasise that students may have different views shaped by their backgrounds, beliefs or experiences.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a key argument made by pro-life supporters?
Q2.Which religious group teaches that life is sacred from conception and generally opposes abortion?
Q3.What is a reason someone might support a woman’s right to have an abortion?
Q4.The procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy is called a abortion.
Q5.In the UK, abortions beyond 24 weeks are allowed if there is a serious risk to the .
Q6.Prior to becoming a foetus, the developing human is referred to as an .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the Catholic Church’s position on abortion?
Q2.Which Christian denomination allows abortion in cases such as when there is a risk to the mother’s health or there is a foetal abnormality?
Q3.Which ethical theory supports making abortion decisions based on the most loving action?
Q4.The belief that life is sacred because it is given by God is known as the sanctity of belief.
Q5.The official teaching of the Catholic Church with regards to abortion is outlined in a document called the ' '.
Q6.The Christian teaching that humans are made in the image of God is found in the Book of .
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion and life unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.