The Teachings on Abortion in Buddhism and their Relationship to the Doctrines of Medical Science (MS)

Abstract

Abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy after conception. It allows woman to put an end to their pregnancies but involves killing the undeveloped embryo or fetus. We can find some embryological teachings also in the teachings of the Buddha. In the both of Theravāda and Mahāyāna philosophical schools have discussed occasionally, the topic mentioned above and appear some advises given by the Buddha for his followers regarding to this matter. For this research, Pali Canon (Tipiṭaka), the Commentaries (Aṭṭakathā) and the academic articles are used as resources & this research is being done as a desk research. For a successful conception there should be three facts according to the Majjhima-nikāya. Those details are tallied with its commentary. On the other hand an important place is given to the Yogācārabhūmiṡāstra of Yogācāra tradition, considering on texts which are exterior to Theravāda. The facts are discussed detailed in the Vinayaṭṭhakathā. According to those details any disastrous deed committed to the lives of the child or the mother is not accepted the Buddhism. However, the facts related to the abortion had not been discussed directly by the Buddha, but when explaining or solving disciplinary problems related to the matter the Buddha had to mention about this. Although, it is mentioned in the Canon, that there should be three points for a successful conception, it is only two according to MS. According to the theories of the MS, the early abortion is not admitted as a crime, while the later abortion is admitted. The time which is engaged with the consciousness power to the growing embryo, cannot be measured definitely. Hence, the abortion committed at anytime is not admitted by the Buddhism. In accordance with, above mentioned information, the Buddhism rejects the abortion on the base of ethics. The reasons for abortion of modern day women are; hiding the witnesses of misbehavior, protecting the feminine figure and saving the lives of women. When not delivering a healthy baby or delivering a baby, if the doctors predict, that there is a risk of mothers death, the abortion is approved by the Modern Medical Science (MMS). Though this, it is obvious that the attention has been given on abortion by the MMS, the social base.