beginning of life

A Christian approach to Assisted Reproductive Technologies

So many Australian children are now born through Assisted Reproduction that they number approximately one for every classroom across the country. Infertility is a painful and difficult problem, and IVF is often seen as the solution for childlessness. However, this process can raise complex ethical questions for the Christian, which are best considered before treatment begins. Dr Megan Best spoke about a Christian approach to Assisted Reproductive Technologies with Cass from Her Theology. Listen to the podcasts covering the discussions of Facing Infertility, IVF and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Surrogacy, and whether Christian women should consider Freezing their Eggs. This is essential listening if you are considering building a family this way and are invested in aligning your choices with your beliefs.

Introduction to abortion arguments

Abortion is one of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues in contemporary society, raising profound ethical, legal, and social questions. ‘Pro-choice’ advocates emphasise the right to bodily autonomy, while ‘pro-life’ supporters assert the equal moral value of all human lives from fertilisation, insisting on their protection. In this introduction to the arguments, Dr Bruce Blackshaw explores the issue of abortion from a pro-life perspective, critically examining arguments for and against its permissibility.

 

Engaging in the abortion debate: a Christian perspective in a secular world

In this article, bioethicist Bruce P Blackshaw considers how Christians can participate in the abortion debate today.

Internal view of a human fetus – approx. 10 weeks

Conscientious Objection Conundrum: Objections by Nurses in Hospital Settings

In this article, lawyer and academic Anna Walsh explains the complexity of conscientious objection laws in Australia with examples from the controversial practice of abortion. She then provides advice and practical tips for the nurse or midwife who is confronted with this challenge in their own workplace.

Birth as connection rather than separation: the overmedicalisation of labour and birth

The Parliament of NSW established a Select Committee in June 2023 to inquire into birth trauma. Jodie McIver considers the experience of labour and birth through the lens of connection between the mother and her child.

book review: bringing forth life

Dr Genevieve Thompson reviews Jodie McIver’s recently published book: Bringing Forth Life: God’s Purposes in Pregnancy & Birth.

Abortion, the Sexual Revolution, and the Question of Reproductive Justice

The US Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v Wade sparked heated debate and commentary about the rights of women and unborn children around the globe.

In an effort to promote a considered and substantial dialogue around this sensitive issue, Women’s Forum Australia has released this new publication by WFA Research Fellow Dr Emma Wood.

Embryo Liberation

In this paper, originally published in CASE, Dr Megan Best discusses when human life begins.

Book Review: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Dr Andrew Moore reviews a book about ethics and the beginning of human life.

A Christian Perspective on Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis in Australia

A policy paper from the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia.

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