Buddhism and Abortion
Abortion is a huge controversial topic around the world. The controversy is centered around morals and what is considered to be right, wrong and okay for certain circumstances. For example, circumstances that might make it okay for a woman to have an abortion is if she were raped and a child were conceived and she could not support the child or if she accidentally conceived or if she could lose her life birthing the child. The topic of abortion becomes complicated when religion is involved because of different religious views and beliefs on abortion.
Abortion itself is, "a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy" (Parenthood, Planned). There are a few different types of in-clinic abortions one being an abortion pill which is able to be used up to 9 weeks in the pregnancy and
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Buddhists (mainly traditional) tend to be more on the pro-life side due to some of their beliefs. For example, "Buddhists believe that life should not be destroyed, but they regard causing death as morally wrong only if the death is caused deliberately or by negligence.” (“Religions - Buddhism: Abortion.”). Because buddhists believe that life should not be destroyed deliberately it does not come as a surprise that “Traditional Buddhism rejects abortion because it involves the deliberate destroying of a life.” (“Religions - Buddhism: Abortion.” ). Though Buddhists sway more towards the side of being Pro-life, “Buddhist institutions have laid down rules and regulations, however, in regard to Buddha's actual teachings, in an issue like abortion, there is no absolute ruling.”(O'Brien, Barbara.). Which means there is no real set rules or beliefs when it comes to abortion and how to go about it. As a result of there not really being any set beliefs or guidelines on abortions buddhists are more or less lenient when it comes to