Ethical arguments related to abortion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain different ethical arguments about abortion, including pro-choice and pro-life perspectives.
Key learning points
- Abortion is defined as the deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
- In the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under certain conditions.
- Pro-choice arguments support a woman's right to choose, emphasising her autonomy in making decisions about her own body.
- Many humanists believe a woman has the right to choose abortion.
- Pro-life arguments oppose abortion, focusing on the intrinsic value and right to life of the foetus.
Keywords
Abortion - the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
Foetus - the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth
Intrinsic (value) - something is valuable just because it exists, regardless of its usefulness
Pro-choice - generally support 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
Common misconception
Abortion debates are always clearly pro-life vs. pro-choice.
Many positions are more nuanced, e.g., some people who identify as pro-life accept abortion in certain circumstances, and some who are pro-choice may personally oppose abortion but support the legal right to choose.
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
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the concept of the sanctity of life teach about human life?
Q2.Which Bible verse supports the idea that human life has intrinsic value from the moment of conception?
Q3.Quakers believe that ...
Q4.The idea that life has value simply because it exists is called value.
Q5.Christians believe that human life is sacred because it was created in the image of .
Q6.The Roman Catholic Church teaches that human life remains in a special relationship with the .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is meant by the term ‘pro-life’?
Q2.Under the UK Abortion Act of 1967, which of the following is a legal requirement for abortion?
Q3.What is a key argument used by pro-choice supporters?
Q4.The deliberate ending of a pregnancy is called an .
Q5.The developing human, from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth, is known as a .
Q6.The legal limit for most abortions in the UK is weeks.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Ethical arguments related to abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Ethical arguments related to 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.