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People of various [[religious]] faiths usually see abortion as wrong, but even for atheists, abortions can be [[psychological]]ly difficult.  Although they do not classify this as [[murder]] as many religions do, they still have a hard time making such a decision.  Here are some common reasons (or excuses) they use to justify an abortion:

People of various [[religious]] faiths usually see abortion as wrong, but even for atheists, abortions can be [[psychological]]ly difficult.  Although they do not classify this as [[murder]] as many religions do, they still have a hard time making such a decision.  Here are some common reasons (or excuses) they use to justify an abortion:

* [[Birth control]] ([[contraceptive]]) failure<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* [[Birth control]] ([[contraceptive]]) failure<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* Inability to care for or support a child<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* Inability to care for or support a child<ref name="webmd.com"/>

* Child is expected to have birth defects or severe [[medical]] problems<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* Child is expected to have birth defects or severe [[medical]] problems<ref name="webmd.com"/>

* Pregnancy is a product of [[rape]] or other unwanted ("non-consensual") activity<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* Pregnancy is a product of [[rape]] or other unwanted ("non-consensual") activity<ref name="webmd.com"/>

* [[Physical]] or [[psychological]] conditions that cause the pregnancy to endanger the mother's health<ref name="webmd.com">http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/abortion-reasons-women-choose-abortion</ref>

* [[Physical]] or [[psychological]] conditions that cause the pregnancy to endanger the mother's health<ref name="webmd.com"/>

* [[Parent]]s of pregnant women are unaware and would probably be disproving<ref>http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/tp/WhyChooseAbortionHub.htm</ref>

* [[Parent]]s of pregnant women are unaware and would probably be disproving<ref>http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/tp/WhyChooseAbortionHub.htm</ref>

==The Value of Life==

==The Value of Life==

Ultimately, atheists and religious people such as [[Christian]]s see the [[value]] of life very differently.  Like some other religions, Christians see life as a [[gift]] from [[God]]--something created and maintained by Him.  Children are seen as unique, special creations, each one [[Design|designed]] differently by God, as is seen in [[Bible]] verses such as Job 10:11 and 31:15, Psalm 119:73 and 139:13, Isaiah 44:2 and 44:24, and Jeremiah 1:5.  Also in the Bible, God spoke of knowing a man before he was in his mother's womb.  To Christians, this means that it would be unacceptable for them to end such a life which their almighty [[creator]] has formed with an eternal [[soul]].<br />

Ultimately, atheists and religious people such as [[Christian]]s see the [[value]] of life very differently.  Like some other religions, Christians see life as a [[gift]] from [[God]]—something created and maintained by Him.  Children are seen as unique, special creations, each one [[design]]ed differently by God, as is seen in [[Bible]] verses such as Job 10:11 and 31:15, Psalm 119:73 and 139:13, Isaiah 44:2 and 44:24, and Jeremiah 1:5.  Also in the Bible, God spoke of knowing a man before he was in his mother's womb.  To Christians, this means that it would be unacceptable for them to end such a life which their almighty [[creator]] has formed with an eternal [[soul]].<br />

Atheists, however, see none of this value.  Many do have feelings for their children, both in and out of the womb.  Humans--especially women, were designed to feel attachment and love for their offspring.<ref>http://www.thelizlibrary.org/liz/APA-Monitor-attachment.html</ref><ref>http://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html</ref>  However, this is the full extent of the value they usually see.  Some think of what the child might be able to do if allowed to grow up, and feel guilt for taking that away.  They also sometimes feel a loss since they will never be able to raise that child.

Atheists, however, see none of this value.  Many do have feelings for their children, both in and out of the womb.  Humans—especially women, were designed to feel attachment and love for their offspring.<ref>http://www.thelizlibrary.org/liz/APA-Monitor-attachment.html</ref><ref>http://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html</ref>  However, this is the full extent of the value they usually see.  Some think of what the child might be able to do if allowed to grow up, and feel guilt for taking that away.  They also sometimes feel a loss since they will never be able to raise that child.

Regardless of their exact feelings and thoughts, life has lass value to them.  There is no [[eternal]] component to the baby, and it is nothing more that a product of [[evolution]].  Life was created by chance, so there is no real harm in ending it to them.

Regardless of their exact feelings and thoughts, life has lass value to them.  There is no [[eternal]] component to the baby, and it is nothing more that a product of [[evolution]].  Life was created by chance, so there is no real harm in ending it to them.