BUDDHISM AND ABORTION

WHAT IS BUDDHISM?

* Buddhism, founded 2,500 years ago, is a religion to over 300 million people in the world.

* It is an ancient tradition which has been refined its beliefs and values in the course of a long interaction with the major cultures of Asia.

* Buddhism has spread over many countries. It has been divided into many different sects and adopted a variety of beliefs, practices, rituals and customs.

WHAT IS ABORTION? Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by

the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability.

An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced.

The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy.

DO BUDDHIST AGREE WITH ABORTION?

Abortion has been strongly disapproved but tolerated by Buddhists.

Many people in the Buddhism tradition believes that life should not be destroyed.

Some Buddhists think that it is appropriate to go on with the procedure of an abortion for certain reasons.

Some think that it is an act of killing. There is no official view on abortion

according to Buddhists.

IF A MOTHER DECIDES TO ABORT HER BABY, SHE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HER ACTIONS AND THE KARMA THAT WILL COME ALONG FROM HER DECISION.….

The woman in this scene had an abortion and is being punished in Hell for terminating a life.

ABORTION HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES IN SOCIETY……..

For the past three decades, people have been voicing their opinion.

Most of their research on abortion has been medical.

There are only a few scattered statements in publications by monks and official religious spokesmen on this issue that have been found.

COUNTRY VIEWS……THAILAND

• Abortion is legal only under certain controlled circumstances in Thailand.

• Thailand has therapeutic are only performed by qualified medical practitioners and are allowed in two circumstances.

• First, it is permitted if it is necessary for the sake of the women’s health and, second, if the pregnancy is the result of rape.

OVER 2,000 FETUSES FOUND IN BANGKOK……

JAPAN

Abortion in Japan is not legal.

Chapter XXIX of Penal code of Japan makes abortion illegal.

Maternal Health Protection law allows approved doctors to practice abortion with the consent of her spouse, if the pregnancy has been from rape or if her health is endangered.

MIZUKO KUYO In Japan, many Buddhist temples have services to

help women cope with their feelings after having an abortion. This is one way that women can deal with the karma. The feelings resulting from an abortion can be unbearable.

The mizuko kuyo ritual can be performed in many different ways. It is provided in a wide variety of sizes, types and costs.

KOREAAbortions in Korea are illegal albeit very common.

The Mother and Child Health Laws allows for abortions only when the mother’s health is in serious danger, or in cases of rape, incest or severe hereditary disorders.

It is never legal after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!!!

DONE BY: DESTINEY PHELPS