Priceless Perspectives : Equipping Students to Think Critically About the Abortion Discourse

The question of what constitutes a well-rounded Christian education invokes energetic discussion and diversity of opinions. What is often lacking is an analysis of how students are equipped to navigate what is arguably the greatest blessing or challenge they will ever face—pregnancy. Recent surveys of Australian students in Grades 10–12 showed around half are sexually active and, therefore, face a real risk of unintended pregnancy. At the same time, Australia has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the world. The topics of pregnancy, parenting and abortion are not generally included in the Christian studies curriculum, but societal messages in mainstream media are relentless. Most students will leave Christian schools without having had the opportunity to think deeply and critically about the issues of pregnancy and abortion. This chapter presents a mixed-method case study outlining the inception, development, implementation and outcomes of a youth education program titled Perspectives, which engages students in respectful, in-depth conversations about these issues. This program has been developed by a local Brisbane pregnancy support centre, Priceless House (Priceless Life Ltd.). Perspectives has been piloted and run for 5 years in two Christian co-educational schools with Grade 10–12 students.

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