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Hinduism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs

Hindu responses to euthanasia, abortion and genetic science

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 2

Overview

Prayopavesha, situation ethics and assisted dying, when life begins, the Garbha Upanishad, when abortion may be accepted, sex-selective abortion, SPUC, genetic manipulation, IVF, and self-determination.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why do most Hindus oppose euthanasia?

Numbers

Why do some Hindus accept prayopavesha, fasting to death?

Key term

How might situation ethics apply to euthanasia for a terminally ill Hindu?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why do most Hindus oppose euthanasia?

    Model answer

    Ahimsa forbids taking life, and an early death disrupts the soul's karma. The atman must work through its karma, which euthanasia cuts short.

  2. 2

    Why do some Hindus accept prayopavesha, fasting to death?

    Model answer

    Prayopavesha is a voluntary fast unto death for the very old or terminally ill who have no duties left. Vinoba Bhave refused food and medicine before his death in 1982.

  3. 3

    How might situation ethics apply to euthanasia for a terminally ill Hindu?

    Model answer

    Situation ethics asks what the most loving action is, and might support ending unbearable suffering. Many Hindus would reply that daya means caring for the dying, not killing them.

  4. 4

    What do Humanists argue about assisted dying, and how might a Hindu respond?

    Model answer

    Humanists argue that terminally ill adults should have the right to die with dignity. Many Hindus respond that life and death belong to the working of karma and should not be forced.

  5. 5

    When do many Hindus believe life begins, and why does it matter for abortion?

    Model answer

    Many Hindus believe the atman enters the body at conception. Abortion would then destroy a life with a soul, breaking ahimsa.

  6. 6

    What does the Garbha Upanishad describe?

    Model answer

    The Garbha Upanishad describes the embryo developing month by month in the womb. The text pictures the unborn child remembering past lives.

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