RELIGIONS

RELIGIONS

Contraception and abortion

Dr. Daniel C. Maguire gives brief descriptions on his Web site, www.religiousconsultation.org, of what his research says are the positions of major religions. Here are excerpts:

Roman Catholicism: According to traditional Catholic theology -- unknown even to many Catholics -- a Catholic is free to choose contraception and abortion when necessary.

Judaism: Judaism, like most religions, begins with the mandate to "choose life." As an ancient Jewish text puts it, abortion "is not forbidden when it is done because of a great need."

Islam: There are those in Islam who oppose all abortions. There is broad acceptance in the major Islamic teachings of abortion in the first four months of pregnancy, however.

Protestant Christianity: Protestantism, the dominant religious affiliation, is firmly in favor of family planning.

Buddhism: Buddhists have a long experience with family planning, including abortion.

Hinduism: Arguments for family planning can be drawn from the main moral teachings of Hinduism.