No to abortions, but don’t stigmatise those affected, say religious bodies

ABORTION is generally not condoned by religions as a way out of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies.

However, religious institutions should avoid stigmatising those affected, says Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri.

“Instead, such institutions should provide caring counselling in a safe and confidential environment.

“At all costs, we should save the child for adoption,” he says.

Rev Hermen says the church does not condone or encourage abortion.

“The basis of belief is that all life is sacred and life begins at conception.

“The church’s position is that human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception,” he says.

As such, the church opposes procedures that destroy an embryo or foetus for any motive.

“But if a doctor certifies that the life of the mother is threatened due to a medical condition, abortion may be considered after consulting the family and obtaining their consent,” Rev Hermen adds.

He says all established churches in Malaysia provide counselling for women who want to put their child up for adoption after birth and for those struggling with what to do with an unplanned pregnancy.

Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin says Islam does not allow abortions unless there are strong reasons for it.

“This includes if the woman was raped or if the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life or if the baby were to suffer severe, life-threatening deformities if born,” he explains.

For Muslims, Dr Asri says it is not acceptable to have an abortion because the parents lack sufficient finances to raise the child.

“We believe God will provide what is necessary.

“As a Muslim, abortion must come with strong reasons. Otherwise, you must have a good reason to answer to God in the afterlife,” he adds.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism agrees that all religions forbid abortion and that the destruction of life through abortion should be avoided.

“The common stand is that human life begins at conception and that human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception or fertilisation,” says council honorary secretary-general Gowri PS Thangaya.

However, the council believes there are exceptions when abortion can be done, such as chronic illnesses, direct threats to the life of the mother, and any grave fear and inconvenience.

“It is considered an acceptable justification for abortion as a practical matter.

“Though it may still be seen as a deed with negative values, all religions agree that abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance,” she says.

The council says religious education plays a vital role and this should be introduced to children from an early age.

“Having strong religious values will help influence youths in their decisions, to face their actions honestly, and give themselves over with humility and trust to repentance,” Gowri says.