Expert: Anandapanyo Bhikkhu - 5/31/2010

Question
Hello I am doing a research assignment on abortion and euthanasia, and was wondering if you could answer a few questions.

1. What is your view on abortion, do you believe it is wrong?
2. What is your view on euthanasia, do you believe it is wrong?
3. Do you think both abortion and euthanasia are big issues within the Buddhist community?
4. Are there any teachings that condemn or condone either acts?
5. Are there any circumstances where abortion or euthanasia is the right choice?

Answer
Dear Amie,

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions.


In answering your questions, I would not be so bold as to outwardly declare this or that action as wrong. That would be too critical and judgmental on my part. Every situation has its merits and factors. Anyone not standing in that particular place could not fathom to understand what drove that person to make their choices.

But according to the Buddha, the way to determine whether something is wrong is based on three main things:

1. In intention - this is the driving force and most important factor in determining level of "wrongness."
2. Execution - this is the actual implementation of your intention. Are our actions generally considered "wrong." Are they against society's norms and morays?
3. Result - this is the result of our intentions and actions. Do we create stress and suffering for ourselves from our actions? Do we create stress and suffering for others from our actions?

If any of the three things are wrong, then we have done some level of "wrongness." The severe involved we are in the three factors, the more wrong we are.

So, to answer your question:

1. Abortion can lead to:

Physical/Mental/Social suffering for the mother to be
Physical/Mental/Social suffering for the father to be
Physical/Mental suffering for the child to be
Physical/Mental/Social suffering for friends and family involved in the decision making and the aftermath

Because of this, Abortion is a risky matter. It is not wrong because Buddha or some god decides it is wrong, it is wrong if it causes ANYONE suffering/stress, which is highly likely.

In the case that the mother, child and everyone connected does not suffer physically, mentally or socially, then this action is not wrong. However, such a result is hard to come by and therefore, this makes abortion a risky action with a severe downside.

2. Euthanasia can lead to:
Physical/Mental/Social stress/suffering for the doctor
Mental stress/suffering for the patient
Physical/Mental/Social stress for the family members and anyone else involved.

For the same reasons/explanations above, Euthanasia is a risky action with a severe downside as well.

3. I cannot hope to speak for the whole Buddhist community, but as far as I can tell, Buddhist usually consider it an individual's choice, as they are the ones who will have to live with the consequences.

4. There are no teachings that condemn or condone either acts directly, but one of the five precepts is " I will not intentionally deprive another of life." This goes for in any way shape or form.

5. Dealing with sensitive issues like this, there is hardly ever the "right" choice. It is usually the lesser of two, three, four or numerous evils. No one ever really wants to make the choice to commit abortion or euthanasia, but it is a situation they are thrust into. Then they are forced to make a decision. So, is it ever right? It depends on the three factors above and the specifics of the particular case in question. But like I stated - it is a risky action with a severe downside.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo

www.kpyusa.org