Buddhist Ethics and Perspectives on Abortion: Moral Philosophy and Practical Application
Overview
This paper examines Buddhist ethical perspectives on abortion, exploring the tension between core Buddhist precepts against harm and contextual compassion. It argues that while Buddhism generally views abortion negatively due to beliefs about life beginning at conception and the doctrine of karma, the religion maintains a non-rigid approach that permits exceptions based on circumstances such as maternal health, reflecting the Dalai Lama's nuanced position.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Buddhist views on abortion and the concept of life beginning at conception
- Buddhist precepts against harm and the role of karma in ethical decision-making
- Comparison of Tibetan Buddhist and Dalai Lama perspectives on abortion and the sanctity of life
- Buddhist approach to morality as non-rigid and contextual rather than absolutist
- Buddhist rejection of rights-based frameworks in favor of compassion-based ethical analysis
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Buddhist Ethics
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Buddhist Views on Abortion
Introduction
Buddhists have given no view on abortion. However, Buddhists believe that life starts at conception and that it is a process that keeps going on. Buddhists believe that life should not be stopped but instead should be left to keep on happening. There is, however, a Buddhist Precept that says life should not be harmed in any way (Cogito, 2017). Buddhism's belief in Karma, which implies an intentional action, guides those of the religion. Therefore, Buddhists believe that abortion is an action that should not be allowed to take place as it is an adverse action on the mother and the physician that takes part in the practice.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that abortion is a practice that wastes the birth of a precious being that should have otherwise been let to flourish (YouTube, 2015). Dalai Lama, an individual who truly believes in Buddhism, believes that life is sacred and should be left to flourish, but according to the circumstance a mother is facing. According to most Buddhists, abortion is viewed negatively, but various views are tolerated among people of the faith.
People who believe in Buddhism take a vital step in abortion as they believe in a certain way of doing things. Buddhists usually concisely make decisions regarding abortion before deciding if abortion should be left to happen. In many situations, Buddhists will first have to interrogate the consequences of terminating a pregnancy.