Abortion in the Public Discourse

This chapter sets out the broader context for understanding abortion, beginning with general attitudes to abortion and the legal framework in England, Scotland and Wales. The chapter outlines key Catholic doctrine on abortion. Although opposition to abortion has been closely associated with Catholicism, Catholic unity on the issue of abortion historically is a bit of a myth. The chapter also details our conceptualisation of ultra-sacrificial motherhood which is important in framing how those opposed to abortion understand the role of women. We illustrate this through St Gianna Molla. Finally, we set out the global position taken by the Vatican regarding abortion, with particular reference to the Church’s framework of ‘gender ideology’. This has an important influence on the understanding of the issues, even when the Church has no direct involvement in things like campaigning or policy advocating.