Just Abortion theory

[Anonymous]

I think we need brilliant religious scholars to formulate “Just Abortion “ theory similar to Saint Augustine (4th century) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (12th century) did with elaborating Just War theory.

Christian moderates need credible theological framework to communicate why we support abortion rights from a religious perspective (of course it needs to be elaborated in terms of human rights and medically as well).

For example, similar to Just War theory, I would suggest something along the lines of, there should be a presumption against the morality of having an abortion if it can be avoided. However there are sadly many circumstances when this is the lesser of evils. Such criteria would include: physical health of mother threatened by carrying out the pregnancy; pregnancy caused by rape or incest; mother unable to work and care for existing children of pregnancy continued to term, and other criteria that justify an abortion as morally sound.

Is there any work on this already?

[Anonymous]

I’d be interested in this, although I haven’t heard if any denominations are working on it.

Where it would run into headwinds is your last item, “mother unable to work and care for existing children of pregnancy continued to term.” You won’t get conservative reps agreeing to this, because it’s such a slippery slope. What does “unable to work and care for” mean in practice?

- Christian who is fine with abortion on demand

[Anonymous]

This absolutely exists in Judaism and Islam. I know there are Christian scholars who have looked into this kind of thing, but the extreme conservatism on abortion in Christianity seems to be mostly an evangelical and Catholic obsession.

I would argue that the reason most "pro-life" people have the attitude that they do, is because they simply don't trust women. A concern for "life" or "babies" is a facade, and so is using religion as a justification.

There's also an economical component to banning abortion, obviously.

[Anonymous]

What would you hope to achieve through this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d be interested in this, although I haven’t heard if any denominations are working on it.

Where it would run into headwinds is your last item, “mother unable to work and care for existing children of pregnancy continued to term.” You won’t get conservative reps agreeing to this, because it’s such a slippery slope. What does “unable to work and care for” mean in practice?

- Christian who is fine with abortion on demand

I guess I have read many anecdotes or single poor moms (especially of color) who are unable to support their existing children if they carry out pregnancies due to bed rest being required or being fired for being pregnant, which often happens although other reasons cited by employers.

Work on this theory would need to clearly think out when likely harms to existing children outweigh harms to unborn children especially younger than 12-14 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What would you hope to achieve through this?

Misuse of my religion to further harm women and girls in unjust ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we need brilliant religious scholars to formulate “Just Abortion “ theory similar to Saint Augustine (4th century) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (12th century) did with elaborating Just War theory.

Christian moderates need credible theological framework to communicate why we support abortion rights from a religious perspective (of course it needs to be elaborated in terms of human rights and medically as well).

For example, similar to Just War theory, I would suggest something along the lines of, there should be a presumption against the morality of having an abortion if it can be avoided. However there are sadly many circumstances when this is the lesser of evils. Such criteria would include: physical health of mother threatened by carrying out the pregnancy; pregnancy caused by rape or incest; mother unable to work and care for existing children of pregnancy continued to term, and other criteria that justify an abortion as morally sound.

Is there any work on this already?

Do you really think that the groups pushing bans are steeped in theology?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d be interested in this, although I haven’t heard if any denominations are working on it.

Where it would run into headwinds is your last item, “mother unable to work and care for existing children of pregnancy continued to term.” You won’t get conservative reps agreeing to this, because it’s such a slippery slope. What does “unable to work and care for” mean in practice?

- Christian who is fine with abortion on demand

The 1st one you stare, interestingly, the reason Irish Catholics were allowed to have abortions during the potato famine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What would you hope to achieve through this?

Misuse of my religion to further harm women and girls in unjust ways.

That’s exactly what’s been done with not allowing birth control and abortions. It’s not based in any religious teachings. It’s only meant to hurt women and children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This absolutely exists in Judaism and Islam. I know there are Christian scholars who have looked into this kind of thing, but the extreme conservatism on abortion in Christianity seems to be mostly an evangelical and Catholic obsession.

I would argue that the reason most "pro-life" people have the attitude that they do, is because they simply don't trust women. A concern for "life" or "babies" is a facade, and so is using religion as a justification.

There's also an economical component to banning abortion, obviously.

The reason most Christians are “pro life“ is because there was a propaganda effort during the Reagan election to target, evangelicals and mis- interpret the Bible to include abortion under though shall not kill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What would you hope to achieve through this?

Misuse of my religion to further harm women and girls in unjust ways.

That’s exactly what’s been done with not allowing birth control and abortions. It’s not based in any religious teachings. It’s only meant to hurt women and children.

OP again - sorry forget to say when I am responding

I agree but would like solid theological footing to argue against the morality of the various bans and factor in other pro life considerations such as protecting health of mothers/ well being of existing children/ likely future harms to unborn Children etc .

[Anonymous]

War is, at best, the lesser of available evils. It's never a good thing, even if it's the right choice.

Abortion isn't evil. Women who get abortions are not doing an evil thing. They don't need to justify their decision or prove why in this particular situation it was the right choice.

You can't compare the two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This absolutely exists in Judaism and Islam. I know there are Christian scholars who have looked into this kind of thing, but the extreme conservatism on abortion in Christianity seems to be mostly an evangelical and Catholic obsession.

I would argue that the reason most "pro-life" people have the attitude that they do, is because they simply don't trust women. A concern for "life" or "babies" is a facade, and so is using religion as a justification.

There's also an economical component to banning abortion, obviously.

The reason most Christians are “pro life“ is because there was a propaganda effort during the Reagan election to target, evangelicals and mis- interpret the Bible to include abortion under though shall not kill.

Everyone knows abortion = killing the life in utero. No?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:War is, at best, the lesser of available evils. It's never a good thing, even if it's the right choice.

Abortion isn't evil. Women who get abortions are not doing an evil thing. They don't need to justify their decision or prove why in this particular situation it was the right choice.

You can't compare the two.

OP /

Obviously For many religious people, abortion is evil. There is a lot of extremist positions around this.

We need thoughtful theology that clearly articulates that although Christians presume it is not optimal or moral to have an abortion. Many see it as murder. We need to be able to articulate that is is sometimes justified.

I also believe abortions rights need to be articulated clearly from other perspectives such as human rights and medical grounds . However moderate Christians need theologically sound framework to discuss when abortions are actually justified, moral and pro life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:War is, at best, the lesser of available evils. It's never a good thing, even if it's the right choice.

Abortion isn't evil. Women who get abortions are not doing an evil thing. They don't need to justify their decision or prove why in this particular situation it was the right choice.

You can't compare the two.

OP /

Obviously For many religious people, abortion is evil. There is a lot of extremist positions around this.

We need thoughtful theology that clearly articulates that although Christians presume it is not optimal or moral to have an abortion. Many see it as murder. We need to be able to articulate that is is sometimes justified.

I also believe abortions rights need to be articulated clearly from other perspectives such as human rights and medical grounds . However moderate Christians need theologically sound framework to discuss when abortions are actually justified, moral and pro life.

Forgive the poor grammar etc above - wanted to respond before going out .