What are buddhist views on abortion?

Answer 1

The relevant thing here is that the Buddha didn't lay down any rules or commandments but rather showed an approach to life and ourselves that brought an end to suffering. There is no definitive answer to your question.
A way of looking at it is that once life has begun, ie conception, to terminate it has consequences. Also, not to terminate has consequences. We constantly find ourselves having to act one way or another in life and until we can trust our wisdom absolutely, are unable to act totally spontaneously. We have to reflect upon what is wise.
When presented with any question like this we have to think about what the consequences are of our actions for ourselves and others, in this case, including the unborn child.
It is crucial that we understand our own motives for deciding on this or that course of action, because it is this that largely determines the wisdom or otherwise of what we do, this and reflecting on consequences for others. Whether or not abortion is followed there may be suffering for ourselves or others, this may not be avoidable.
If there is a possibility that an unborn child will suffer severe illness in life the question may seem easier, but in fact that may be down to our desire not to have to endure witnessing the suffering of another who is dear to us. On the other hand, even if we are prepared to take on that role of carer and witness and even then decide to terminate, that may be seen (by ourselves) as a wise decision.
Finally, in Buddhist teaching there is no God sitting in judgement. the responsibility for our actions and their consequences lies entirely with ourselves.

Answer 2

Generally to be a buddhist you accept the Five Precepts. The first of the Five Precepts is not to take life (worded many different way in different schools). To knowingly take a life in the buddhist teachings will result in negative karma. Buddhists will be less like to judge and preach, however, most monks and nuns will guide a woman away from the decision to abort and avoid the suffering of negative karma.
Metta

Answer 3

Buddhists must not harm or kill. Bottom line is abortion is exactly that. The decision to terminate a pregnancy would generate some pretty hefty karma.

Answer 4

The Buddhist view is to save all the beings from suffering. Indiviually we are free to interpret that how we think is correct for the circumstances.

Answer 5

I think buddists live by the code 'do no harm' and are often vegeterians as they don't believe in killing any form of life. So I am guessing that abortion is probably a definate no no for buddists.

Answer 6

abortion is not supported by buddhists

Answer 7

Interesting question! We only really hear the various different Christian views so will be interesting to see what other religions think!

Answer 8

http://www.changesurfer.com/Bud/Abortion.html hope this help :)