Antenatal diagnosis and the termination of pregnancy--what the churches have to say.

Abstract

This paper attempts to describe what the churches have to say about developments in antenatal diagnosis. It is not, primarily, an analysis of the arguments. Although the arguments are presented denominationally (principally Roman Catholic and Anglican), it is important to note that disagreement about morality within the churches is not straightforwardly denominational. Conservative tends to speak easily with conservative, liberal with liberal, radical with radical, across denominational boundaries (Gustafson, 1978, p. 30). In addition it needs to be noted that the churches speak in different ways and that their statements have differing authority.