Birth and Death
For many students, this is the most challenging, involving and memorable unit they study. In the UK, debates are ongoing about reducing the time limit for abortions from 24 to as few as 12 weeks, bringing it in line with other European countries. There has been a lot of public discussion around euthanasia because of a proposed bill to change the law on assisted suicide. The laws regarding infertility treatment are also looking dated, and will soon be changing.
However, these issues also ask more timeless questions, focussing on a conflict between two very different ethical approaches. Should we be pragmatic, trying to come up with solutions that are most helpful to the people involved - the most loving thing that brings about the greater good? Or are there important absolute principles, rules that we just shouldn't break, that protect every individual human being and prevent us from being able to end a human life?
This site intends to provide information to help you find answers to these questions. The intention is to present ideas without bias. The site also presents a Christian response to these issues. Again, the intention is to reflect the variety of Christian opinions about these issues.
