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Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 1
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. ABORTION AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM Of the nearly 50 million abortions carried out in the world today, 20 mil... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Religion Studies - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain the conditions under which the law can allow abortions.
Answer
Abortion refers to the removal of a fetus from the womb before it can survive outside. Legal conditions include:
- Health of the mother: Abortion can be performed if the mother's physical or mental health is at risk.
- Risk to existing children: It can be carried out if carrying the child poses a risk to the mental or physical health of existing children.
- Serious risk to the fetus: If there is a substantial risk of the fetus being born seriously handicapped, abortion is permissible.
- Age of the mother: The law allows abortion on demand for children from the age of twelve.
Step 2
Analyse the negative effects of abortion on a woman who has terminated her pregnancy.
Answer
Abortion can have several negative emotional and psychological effects on a woman:
- Guilt and regret: Many women may live with a guilty conscience for having terminated a pregnancy, feeling that they have committed a serious wrongdoing.
- Emotional trauma: The decision to abort can lead to significant emotional distress, as women might struggle with their feelings about the action taken.
- Stigmatization: Women who undergo abortion may face social stigma and become marginalized within their communities.
- Impact on self-esteem: The act may affect how a woman views herself, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth and possibly impacting future relationships.
Step 3
Discuss the teachings of any ONE religion that refer to the issue of abortion.
Answer
Consider the perspective of Christianity on abortion:
- Right to Life: Christianity emphasizes that life begins at conception, making abortion morally wrong as it is seen as taking a life.
- Biblical Teachings: Passages such as Jeremiah 1:5 affirm the sacredness of life, stating, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you."
- The Role of God: Christians believe that only God has the right to end a pregnancy.
- Diverse Opinions: While many Christians oppose abortion, some agree that it may be allowed in certain circumstances, emphasizing compassion and understanding.
Overall, the teachings underline the belief in the inherent value of life from its inception.
Step 4
Outline practical steps religious communities can take to address the problems around abortion.
Answer
Religious communities can undertake several vital actions to address abortion-related issues:
- Organize discussions: Host youth groups and discussions to engage community members on the topic of abortion and its consequences.
- Provide support services: Offer health services to assist individuals facing unwanted pregnancies and those at risk of contemplating abortion.
- Educational outreach: Conduct informative sessions that educate the community about the value of life and alternative options to abortion such as adoption.
- Counseling services: Establish counseling for individuals who are affected by abortion, helping them process their experiences and feelings.