Christian responses to 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.
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.Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy.
Q2.The 1967 Abortion made abortion legal in the UK under certain conditions.
Q3.The belief that a woman should have the right to choose whether to have an abortion is called pro- .
Q4.What is the legal time limit for most abortions in the UK?
Q5.What is a key pro-life argument?
Q6.Match each stance about abortion to the correct argument.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.According to 'Evangelium Vitae', why must Catholics oppose abortion?
Q2.What does Natural Law argue about abortion?
Q3.How might some Anglicans justify abortion?
Q4.The belief that life is means it is given by God and deserves respect.
Q5.According to 20:13, “You shall not murder” suggests that abortion is wrong.
Q6.Which ethical theory argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Christian responses to abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Christian responses 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 Matters of life and death unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.