Weak Sanctity of Life

Proponents of a weak sanctity of life stance realise that the advances of medical
science have meant that the boundaries between life and death are far more
flexible than previously thought and so would allow exceptions to the general
sanctity of life position. If it is not clear what constitutes independent ‘life’ or
when independent life begins then there may be certain situations in which
abortion is morally justified.

Christian proponents of a weak sanctity of life stance tend to balance the Bible’s
pro-life teachings with Jesus’ emphasis on love and compassion as a justification
for abortion in certain cases.

A weak sanctity of life position underlies the Church of England’s report of
1965: Abortion: An Ethical Discussion. This report expresses overriding compassion
for the needs of the mother, especially where there is a threat to her mental or
physical health. This view was reinforced in a more recent document, Abortion and
the Church, in 1993.

“We do not believe that the right to life, as a right pertaining to persons, admits
of no exceptions whatever; but the right of the innocent to life admits surely of
few exceptions indeed. Circumstances exist where the character or location of the
pregnancy renders the foetus a serious threat to the life and health of the
mother, in such circumstances the foetus could be regarded as an ‘aggressor’ on
the mother. The mother would be entitled to seek protection against the threat to
her life and health which the foetal life represented”.

Thinking point: Is there any difference between weak sanctity of life and quality
of life arguments?