Abortion and evolution
Abortion (sometimes called infanticide), is closely tied to atheistisc and evolutionary world views, and is simply a logical extension of their beliefs that human life is nothing special. The idea that human life is very much like animal life justifies to atheists the killing of their unborn children.
The Arguments
Humans are believed by atheists to be completely mortal beings, with no immortal component (a soul). Being only more creative animals, there is no reason not to abort unwanted children.
Evolutionists further say that the world is overpopulated and that, in order to survive and flourish in this world, people must avoid reproducing excessively. However, since they expect no after-life, they presume that earthly life should be enjoyed to the full. If something "inconvenient" like and unwanted pregnancy takes place, it should simply be "taken care of" as easily as possible.
Even for atheists, abortions can be psychologically 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:
- Birth control (contraceptive) failure[1]
- Inability to care for or support a child[1]
- Child is expected to have birth defects or severe medical problems[1]
- Pregnancy is a product of rape or other unwanted ("non-consensual") activity[1]
- Physical or psychological conditions that cause the pregnancy to endanger the mother's health[1]
- Parents of pregnant women are unaware and would probably be disproving[2]