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Priceless Perspectives : Equipping Students to Think Critically About the Abortion Discourse
Robinson, Julie Stirling, N. Barendse, Sharon
Robinson, Julie
Stirling, N.
Barendse, Sharon
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Innovative delivery, Unplanned pregnancy, Abortion, Respectful conversations, Christian education, Australia
Date
2021
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
Innovating Christian Education Research: Multidisciplinary Perspectives
Volume
Issue
Page Range
377-393
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Collections
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.