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Buddhism: Matters of Life and Death

Buddhist attitudes to abortion

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Intention, the Dalai Lama's 1993 New York Times interview and the exception he allowed, mizuko kuyo, Japanese and Western attitudes, Humanist and situation ethics views, and support for a mother afterwards.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

How might a Buddhist respond to Humanist and situation ethics views on abortion?

Key term

Why do many Buddhists see abortion as wrong?

Key term

How does intention affect a Buddhist view of abortion?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why do many Buddhists see abortion as wrong?

    Model answer

    Many Buddhists believe a new life begins at conception, when consciousness enters the embryo. Abortion therefore breaks the First Precept against taking life.

  2. 2

    How does intention affect a Buddhist view of abortion?

    Model answer

    Many Buddhists believe the kamma of an abortion depends on the intention behind it. An abortion chosen out of compassion is judged differently from one chosen for convenience.

  3. 3

    What did the Dalai Lama say about abortion in his New York Times interview of 28 November 1993?

    Model answer

    The Dalai Lama said abortion is an act of killing and is generally negative from a Buddhist viewpoint. The Dalai Lama added that each case depends on its circumstances.

  4. 4

    When did the Dalai Lama suggest abortion might be an exception?

    Model answer

    The Dalai Lama allowed exceptions if the child would be severely disabled or the birth would seriously harm the parents.

  5. 5

    What is mizuko kuyo?

    Model answer

    Mizuko kuyo is a Japanese Buddhist memorial service for aborted or miscarried babies. Parents make offerings, often to statues of the bodhisattva Jizo, to express grief and seek forgiveness.

  6. 6

    How do Buddhist attitudes to abortion differ in Japan and the West?

    Model answer

    In Japan abortion is common, and mizuko kuyo lets Buddhists acknowledge the life that was lost. Many Western Buddhists oppose abortion personally but think the law should leave the choice to women.

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