Heartfelt feelings about abortion have both galvanized and polarized the religious community. Fundamentalist Protestants and traditional Roman Catholics, people who normally would have little in common theologically, find themselves marching together in picket lines across the street from pro-choice rallies. Conservative Jews join hands with evangelical Christians to sponsor local chapters of Operation Rescue in an attempt to shut down neighborhood abortion clinics. In many communities, women who have had abortions are either ostracized by their religious family or live lives consumed by guilt and feelings of hypocrisy when they attempt to keep their secret hidden.
At issue is the religious definition of when life begins. People who believe that life begins at conception, and that this life is morally and legally independent from the mother, generally label themselves pro-life. Others believe that life begins at a later point-for many, that point is reached when the fetus becomes viable, meaning that it could survive outside the mother's body. Many people try to take into account concerns such as the health, survival, and quality of life for both mother and fetus. Those who believe that abortion is an issue best decided by the pregnant woman label themselves pro-choice.
Religious people on both sides of the issue consider life sacred and a gift from God. As always, there are those who use religious arguments to buttress emotional positions. From the political/religious right comes the argument that the miracle of life is in God's hands and God's hands alone. From the political/religious left comes the argument that with the gift of life comes the God-given responsibility to care for that life, a responsibility that can only belong to the woman who carries the life within her own body.
Both the Washington Times and Christianity Today magazine credit the Republican stand on "abortion and family values" with the party's political victories in the 2002 elections. But FoxNews exit polls revealed that only 16 percent of voters polled were active in the "Conservative Christian political movement."
Some have attempted compromises, suggesting that abortion is wrong except in certain cases, such as when the woman has become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, or when carrying a child to term will endanger the health of the mother. Many opponents of abortion urge women with unwanted pregnancies to consider adoption rather than abortion.
One of the major problems confronting people who want to know what various religions say about the issue is that in almost every case, the "rank and file" disagree among themselves. The "official" Roman Catholic position concerning birth control, for instance, is that artificial birth control is forbidden by the church. But unofficial polls repeatedly show that the overwhelming opinion of American Catholics is at odds with church doctrine. Even many priests, asked for their opinion "off the record," testify that they are in disagreement with the Vatican. In other words, it can be said that the Catholic Church says artificial birth control is a sin, but Catholics do not. Likewise, the official positions held by various religions concerning abortion may not reflect the views of a number of their adherents.
Below are some of the positions held by various religions.
In Strict Opposition
"Abortion is wrong under any circumstance." This position is held by Buddhist and Hindu sects that have chosen to commit themselves on the question. Their feeling is that all life is sacred. Many Buddhists and Hindus will not destroy any life, even going to the trouble of sweeping the streets before them to prevent stepping on insects. Destroying life builds bad Karma for the next life (See Buddhism; Hinduism; Jainism). According to these beliefs, abortion at any stage of development is wrong.
This position is also held by the Roman Catholic Church and the Jehovah's Witnesses, along with some Baptist denominations (See entries under each). They don't use the same justification as the Buddhists and Hindus, because they don't believe in reincarnation. But their official statements indicate the belief that all life is sacred and that the taking of any human life, at any stage of development, is a sin.
Some Exceptions
"Abortion is wrong unless the mother's life is threatened." This position has been, since 1989, the official stance of the Anglican Church. It is also the stand taken by most Presbyterian churches, the United Church of Christ, and most Lutheran churches. Some add that the rape of the mother justifies abortion.
A Middle Ground
"Abortion is allowed up to a certain point of fetal development." This position is held by Sikhs and some Muslims, as well as by the Supreme Court of the United States. The problem becomes trying to determine when that point is reached. Some Muslims, for instance, place it at 40 days, others at 120 days. This is when the fetus is said to be "ensouled." After the soul is melded with the body, abortion is considered to be murder. Sikhs don't go so far as to set a date. They just allow abortion at any time up to a "medically safe" point.
A Pro-choice Position
"Abortion is a decision best left up to the mother." This position is held by the Unitarian Universalist Society and the Reform branch of Judaism. It is probably safe to say that, at least in America, it is also the quiet position held by the majority of women in the religions discussed so far. The feeling in these groups is that abortion is simply too important and personal a choice for anyone to make for anyone else.
Some religious groups have simply refused to go on record with an opinion. Conservative Jews, for instance, are divided on the subject. Orthodox Jews advise women to consult with their rabbi before coming to a decision.
The traditional American Indian and Eskimo belief is that abortion is wrong, but the infant can and should be adopted by members of the tribe if, for any reason, the mother cannot or will not raise the child.
A variety of websites are listed below for more in-depth study concerning religious positions on this very personal and controversial subject.
Sources: Childbirth by Choice Trust. http://www.cbctrust.com. September 14, 2003. Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. http://www.rcrc.org/. September 14, 2003. Religious Tolerance.org. http: //www.religioustolerance.org. September 14, 2003.
