Hinduism and Abortion

Somik RahaStanford University

Core Beliefs

Sarvam Khalidam Brahma

All this is really Brahman, God, Divine in Nature

Chandogya Upanishad

Core Beliefs

Neha Naanaasti Kinchana

There is not the least trace of multiplicity here.

Katha Upanishad

Core Beliefs

Mrtyoh sa mrtyum gachhati

Ya iha naaneva pashyati

One goes from death to death

Who seems to see differences here

Katha Upanishad

Implication

What is really here

See the world truly

Surface Differences

Implication

This is Hinduism. The technique is to fill the mind

with such thoughts; then approach all the many

practical questions that life challenges us with.

God is present in the mother, and in the embryo as well.

How can one make a blanket rule regarding pro-life or

pro-choice?

Applied to Abortion

With a heart filled with love, do what is best for both mother and

embryo in each case under its own peculiar circumstances.

Every problem has its own dynamic, and if approached in the

right way by all parties, the proper solution will manifest of its own

accord, by its own inevitable logic.

Karmic Consequences

Every action produces a result

The soul's journey is cut-short by our actions

Being irresponsible and punishing an innocent

soul for our actions – is that what we want to

do?

The Birth of a Child

Not just from a physical act

Parents pray for a good soul to come into

their family

Karmic

Counterpoint

The story of Ganga and Shantanu

Famous painting by

Raja Ravi Verma

Practical Ethical Test

Is there any selfishness in the decision making process?

From Ethical to Legal

Why would Pro-Choice and Pro-Life be mutually exclusive?

What if both are recognized as separate legal rights?