Abortion and Christian Moral Decisions: An African Ecofeminist Perspective. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kangwa, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Expository times. Volume 129:Number 2(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Abortion -- Christianity -- moral decisions -- ecofeminist -- Africa -- moral rights; 200
• DOI: 10.1177/0014524616668948
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5246

Abstract

Abortion is a controversial and complex matter that has been debated since the dawn of modernity. Current anti-abortion protests in some parts of the world are only the most recent examples of resistance against the legalisation of abortion. Anti-abortion protests continue to trigger debates on whether abortion is permissible from a Christian point of view. This article analyses the question of whether abortion is permissible from an African ecofeminist perspective. The article analyses ongoing protests against abortion, considers the question of moral rights and the Christian understanding of the sacredness of life, and discusses circumstances in life that may render abortion permissible. The article's contention is that life is a sacred gift from God but there are situations in life when abortion should be allowed as a painful last resort.