But there are also other Quakers who are very keen to enable women to play a full role in society. This might lead them to feel, reluctantly and sadly, that in some circumstances abortion may be the only alternative. A question to consider here is whether it is right or wrong to value the life of the unborn child over and above the life of the mother. Personal conscience in this issue is of the greatest importance. Quakers are aware that abortion is a matter in which emotions become entangled with intellectual arguments.
Real people are involved in making decisions which are never easy.
The loving care and prayerful support of Friends in the meeting could be a very important source of help for any Quaker facing a difficult decision. Overseers and others in the meeting can be consulted, but these discussions will need to remain confidential. Whatever difficult decisions someone may come to, the support of the meeting would be there for them. A Quaker who felt it right to have an abortion, or to continue with an unplanned pregnancy, would still be welcomed to meeting for worship with love and respect. Again this is a topic on which Quakers are not united.