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Hinduism: Matters of Life and Death

Hindu attitudes to abortion

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

When the atman enters the embryo, Atharva Veda 6.113, abortion and bad karma, the circumstances many accept, liberal views, sex-selective abortion, the law in India and Great Britain, and Humanist arguments.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is abortion, and why is it a serious issue for Hindus?

Key term

When do many Hindus believe the atman enters the embryo?

Key term

What does Atharva Veda 6.113 suggest about killing an embryo?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is abortion, and why is it a serious issue for Hindus?

    Model answer

    Abortion is the deliberate ending of a pregnancy so that a baby is not born. Hindus see it as ending a life that already holds an atman.

  2. 2

    When do many Hindus believe the atman enters the embryo?

    Model answer

    Many Hindus believe the atman is present from conception. Abortion therefore ends a human life at its start.

  3. 3

    What does Atharva Veda 6.113 suggest about killing an embryo?

    Model answer

    Atharva Veda 6.113 names the embryo-slayer as a sinner onto whom other guilt may be wiped. Killing an embryo is treated as one of the gravest sins.

  4. 4

    How do traditional Hindus use Atharva Veda 6.113 in arguing against abortion?

    Model answer

    Traditional Hindus argue that the Veda treats killing an embryo as a terrible sin. Abortion breaks ahimsa and brings heavy karma.

  5. 5

    Why do many Hindus say abortion creates bad karma?

    Model answer

    Abortion ends a life before the atman can live out its karma. The mother and those who carry out the abortion bear the karmic result.

  6. 6

    In what circumstances do many Hindus accept abortion?

    Model answer

    Many Hindus accept abortion if the mother's life is at risk. The lesser harm is chosen to protect an existing life.

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