The overview of the topic: Religion and Early Life Within this topic candidates should be familiar with the key teachings from the religion(s) studied and should be aware of how religious leaders and other faith members have interpreted these teachings and applied them to life in society today.
 • the concept of the sanctity of life in relation to its preservation;
• children being seen as a blessing and gift and the miracle of life;
• the issues surrounding when life begins, including at conception, development of backbone, when heart starts beating, at viability, when the baby is born;
• the issues concerning the quality of life, including severe handicaps, unwanted children, poverty and suffering;
• reasons used by religious believers for and against abortion;
• the Law and abortion, including the 1967 and 1990 Acts;
• the rights of those involved, e.g. mother, father and unborn child;
• alternatives to abortion, e.g. keeping the child; adoption and fostering;
• Pro-Life and Pro-Choice arguments and pressure groups.