What is the Atheist consensus on Abortion?

Question

Of course, the only commongrounds Atheists share is a disbeleif in a God. But, without any moral codes instilled upon you by religion, I would like to know how most Atheists feel about this topic.

(I'm Pro-Choice, by the way)

Wow. lol. Pretty much all of you interpreted my question the WRONG way.

As far as I'm concerned, Atheists don't follow a certian book that tells them everything they can and can not do. Obviously, most Christians and Muslims would be Pro-Life since the Bible (or Q'oran) protests against any form of "homocide."

I'm not a religious person by the way. Technically, you could deem me an Atheist.

Answer 1

Pro-Choice; couldn't bring myself to do it unless there were a genetic or developmental defect.

Oh yeah...atheist.

Sorry some other atheists misunderstood you. I guess the word "consensus" can be misleading (some people may have forgotten that a "consensus" doesn't necessarily mean PERFECT unison). And you did say "most atheists," not "all atheists." After all, "MOST" is basically the idea behind the definition of a consensus.

And you also said "instilled upon you BY RELIGION." Some people took this to mean "without ANY MORAL CODES INSTILLED IN YOU AT ALL." Hahahahaha...oh well. Although I'd bet that many atheists here, if not most, have some sort of religious background (maybe you didn't think the question through completely. It's all right, it happens to everybody).

Don't you hate when you get bad attitude instead of good answers because people misconstrue your question? I can empathize all too well. :(

Answer 2

There really is no consensus, as atheism is a single philosophical point, not a set of beliefs. However, most atheists do not believe in the existence of a soul separate from a purely naturalistic mind resulting from the processes in the brain. This might skew atheists as a group towards the view that early term abortions, at least those preformed before the fetus has developed a functioning brain, do not end a human life. Of course no one is really pro-abortion in that contraception is always preferable and more morally defensible than abortion.

Answer 3

I understand well the Christian concern with respect for human beings, although I'm afraid it quickly degrades into a matter of soul-counting. I think abortion should be a rare choice and its casual use for such things as sex-selection or lifestyle inconvenience is culturally caustic.

But I also know that people will do what they think they need to, even if the reasons are bad. Banning abortion can ruin as many lives as it "saves". People should be well informed about pregnancy, but the facts should not be used as weapons to intimidate people in crisis. I am not under the romantic notion that a blastocyst is a "child of God" or an embryo "feels" pain. (I barely remember a few events from my third year.) Death is an undesirable option. Cruelty should always be avoided. All potential consequences of any act, physical, financial, social, should be considered. But a woman should have the final decision over what is or isn't voluntarily done to her body. Health and safety matter, more for those who are can be aware of them than for those who can't.

Abortion should be safe, legal and rare. If they are not all of these, we have lost our way somehow and need to re-examine our culture.

Answer 4

There isn't one. the most compelling argument I have ever heard against abortion was from an atheist. I am pro-choice as well, but I really had to think after listening to what this individual said.

Incidentally, for those who are interested, Catholic Crusader's picture is of a fetus at roughtly 22 to 24 weeks (since the fingers are distinct and no longer webbed but the toes are still fused.) This is well into the 2nd trimester and is on the outer edge of what most pro-choice people consider ethical.

Answer 5

Not sure how anyone can be an atheist, except for lack of knowledge... Even Agnostics have a better view! If you look at Energy it has no beginning or end and has always existed, so obviously their has to be a driving force and thru Photosynthesis energy is transformed into life. It's not theory it's factual... I choose to believe this force is God and other choose their beliefs... Anyway to your question: If I can chose to take a life it wouldn't be an innocent, unborn, defenseless child... But that's your call! I will tell you the best thing you will ever hear is "MOMMY, I love you so much! It is priceless. I hope you don't take offense to my comments, It's with all good intent and we all have our beliefs... Being a father though, is the best thing I have ever did and I would never change that! I Hope you have that child, you won't regret it!!!

Answer 6

I don't think you can say Atheists do not have morals or imply that abortion is related to a lack of morals. Morals can be defined differently by, and is, defined differently by various groups. I am an Atheist and consider myself to be a very moral person, and in comparison to many "religious" people I know believe my life to be morally superior to theirs. At the same time I am very much pro-choice, and believe in a woman's right to have an abortion. I have had several abortions and have never had 2nd thoughts about them. However, this does not mean I have anything against those who do not believe in abortion. I only ask that they live their life according to their belief, and allow me to do the same.

Answer 7

Here is a statistic that I have shared numerous times when faced with the same question.
As the rate of abortions increase in an area, the crime rate decreases. I believe this means unloved children are more likely to break the law. I'm atheist and I'm pro-choice.

Answer 8

I also agree that just because I am atheist doesn't mean that we all think the same way.

I am on the line with this question because I believe that women should have the right to choose but under certain circumstances.
I think its wrong for a woman to have an abortion just because she and her sex partner was careless about birth control.
I think that if a woman gets raped and gets pregnant then she should be able to abort the child. No one should be forced to give birth to a child that was conceived in such a way. It should be the choice of the woman involved. (Which would be a very hard one for any woman).

There are other circumstances where I would think abortion to be ok, like if the mothers life was in danger and the only way to save her was to abort the child.

So yeah, because of these strong beliefs I am not sure what category I would be put under.. am guessing it would be Pro Life with certain cercumstances.

Answer 9

Pro choice

Answer 10

There is no "atheist consensus"... but you can be sure that whether an atheist is pro-choice or anti-choice, their reason probably has nothing to do with the idea of a "soul"... because that's really what the debate is usually about. There are other reasons for either opinion. Please don't try to pigeonhole or stereotype atheists, we come in all varieties.