Contrasting views on abortion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain different ethical arguments and Christian views on abortion.
Key learning points
- In the UK, the 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under certain conditions.
- Jeremiah 1:5 suggests abortion is wrong, while Matthew 22:39 could support it as a loving choice in certain situations.
- Most Christian denominations are pro-life, but some may accept abortion in specific circumstances.
- Pro-choice arguments support a woman's right to choose
- 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 so it does not result in the birth of a child
Foetus - the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth
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
Sacred - something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When did modern humans first appear?
Q2.What is natural selection?
Q3.What does the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulate?
Q4.What does Richard Dawkins believe about evolution?
Q5.What is speciesism?
Q6.Peter Singer believes that all beings deserve moral consideration.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term ‘abortion’ refer to?
Q2.What is a key belief of those who support the pro-life argument?
Q3.Which biblical teaching could be used to argue against abortion?
Q4.Which of these is a view of abortion held by some Christian denominations such as the Church of England?
Q5.What does Natural Law, as discussed by Thomas Aquinas, say about abortion?
Q6.Which of the following is a pro-choice argument for allowing abortion?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Contrasting views on abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Contrasting views on 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 Issues of life and death unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.