Select one moral issue and identify the arguments for the issue, against the issues and outline the teachings of the Catholic church on this issue.

Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy before birth. An abortion results in the death of an embryo or a foetus. For many years abortion has been an extremely controversial subject. One important aspect of the issue is whether a woman should be permitted to have an abortion and if so under, what circumstances. This makes abortion a moral issue.

The people, who are against abortion, believe that, even though the baby is carried within the mother's body, the baby's genetic structure always differs from the mother. The baby may have different blood type, skin colour, or sex. So it is not totally the mother's choice to decide to have an abortion. Over 90' 000 abortions are being performed in Victoria alone. Many people, who are against abortion believes that abortion is an unjustified killing of an unborn child. They believe that the life begins, when the sperm fertilizes an egg.

Gestational age may determine which abortion metho...

ABORTION // Fetus & Moron

"Abortion is not Healthcare"

Another argument is that, if the laws allowed abortion, it may result in irresponsible pregnancies. A major Australian study proves that many women, who went through abortion experiences guilt, grief and shameMany people approve of abortion under certain circumstances. Some are circumstances such as, when a woman's health is affected by her pregnancy. Others approve for abortion, when a child is endangered by suffering from mental and physical defect. It is also approved, when a pregnancy is caused by rape or incest or if the mother is unable to look after the child, after birth. Some people believe that it is better to abort the baby, rather than living with the child that they did not want. If they had the baby, it may result in ignorance. This would affect both the parents as well as the baby..

The bible teaches that the unborn child posses human life. Jesus Christ made the transition to earth at the point of conception, not birth. It was in Mary's womb that he was "made in human likeness." John the Baptist's mother reported that, "the baby in my womb leaped for joy" at the greeting of Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus. King David wrote about God's awesome creative work, "For you created my innermost being; you knit [formed] me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." David is captivated by the fact that God knew, loved and formed him in his mother's womb.

The bible teaches that the killing of human life is a murder. The sixth commandment states, "You shall not murder." The Bible specifically speaks against the taking of innocent human life. No social or economic exceptions are offered. Now, as the Bible makes it clear that the unborn child possesses genuine human life, and as it also makes it clear that the unlawful killing of human beings is murder, we must conclude that abortion is a murder.

The bible teaches that happiness cannot be achieved through wealth and possessions. True contentment consists of caring for the weak, frail, poor and helpless. Yet, one of the reasons people seek abortion is because they believe the birth of a child will interfere with their lifestyle. Jesus repeatedly warned against the danger of basing life on money.

The bible teaches that the god always loves you. He is not only vitally concerned about the welfare of your baby; he is genuinely and deeply concerned about you. If you will allow him, he can turn this difficult situation to good. The book of Romans, chapter 8 verse 28 says that God can work all things (even your unwanted pregnancy) for good, if you will submit to him and let him. He can and will turn your sorrow into joy.

As a conclusion, abortion must be banned, as it is the killing of a living thing that is growing inside a mother's womb. It should only be permitted under certain circumstances, such as pregnancy caused by rape or if the pregnancy has a chance of affecting the baby or the mother. Every women that wants to abort her baby, must have a reason that is approved by the law or she should not be allowed to abort her baby.

Bibliography:www.google.comhttp://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcsite.nsf?openhttp://www.cdpwa.org.au/documents/Abortion_1.dochttp://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/abort1.htm"Abortion" article in The New Encyclopaedia Britannica 16th edition (1996), vol 2, p469.