Buddhism and Abortion

by Damien Keown (editor)

Abortion is arguably the most controversial and divisive moral issue of modern times, but up until now the debate has taken place almost exclusively within a Western cultural, religious and philosophical context. For the past three decades in the West arguments both for and against abortion have been mounted by groups of all kinds, from religious fundamentalists to radical feminists and every shade of opinion in between. Rather than mutual understanding, however, the result has been the polarisation of opinion and the deepening of entrenched positions. In the face of this deadlock a new perspective is urgently required. Buddhism is an ancient tradition which over the centuries has refined its distinctive beliefs and values in the course of a long interaction with the major cultures of Asia. As Buddhism continues to engage the attention of the West, the time is now opportune for its views on abortion to be heard. This is the first book to explore the abortion question from a range of Buddhist cultural and ethical perspectives. The approach is interdisciplinary and will be of relevance to those working in fields such as law, ethics, medicine, philosophy, religion, the social sciences and women's studies.

233 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kandachamy Vijayakumaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Articles on Buddhism Abortion and related issues in selected countries like Thailand, Japan and Korea. An interesting read for those who are interested in woman right and ethics.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If one is Buddhist, one believes in transmigration of souls and the teachings of Shakyumani Buddha. The Pali Canon are the teachings of the Buddha and it would be good to actually read what the Buddha teaches about sentience. I notice Americans, in particular, tend to be lazy about reading and researching the history and early teachings within their chosen religions. They tend to listen to what pastors, priests, "dharma teachers" and uninformed western "monks" interpret using their own Ego and personal beliefs rather than what the actual early followers of Jesus, Buddha, etc...learned.