to be disturbed that my DD was shown this anti-abortion video

[Tanga]

DD (15) came home saying that she'd been shown a video of 'the baby's view of abortion' in her RE class today. She was pretty horrified (both for herself and on behalf of one of her friends who has had an abortion)which I'd guess would be a fairly typical response, but she went on to make some wildly innacurate comments about the proceedure (some very graphic so I'll spare you) so I asked her what it was she'd actually been shown.

It's called 'The Silent Scream' (written in Hammer horror style lettering) and I've googled it and am fairly appalled. It's (IMO) an anti-abortion piece of propaganda made in the '80's and is riddled with innaccuracies.

Is this a normal video to show a class of teenagers? It was presented as fact, BTW, and as 'the most humane method of abortion' by the RE teacher.

"if im totally honest, id put the foetus first in all situations but its controversial to say so so i didnt"

um

you did

LOL at Dita's last post

I don't like to see the thread descend into a debate on the ethics of abortion as IMO pro-life and pro-choice people could ALL be against the showing of this particular film, as it is alarmist and inaccurate.

If I had seen that video when at school it would have really upset me, I won't even watch it now.

I would be fine with my children being given facts but it really does not sound like this video is factual at all.

"but im taking responsinility"

That's great, but I have to take issue with the idea that a woman who has an abortion is absolving herself of responsibility.

Not taking responsibility would mean burying one's head in the sand, or continuing with a pregnancy regardless of the consequences. Having a termination is taking control of, and responsibility for a situation. It can be the most responsible, mature and reasoned choice of all.

Any news from the head yet Tanga?

Sorry, posted too soon.

"young girls who accidentally get pregnant should not terminate without being made to understand what they are doing in ful"

I'd argue that it would be even more important for young women to understand what they're doing if they choose to continue with a pregnancy. I'd also argue that if they were shown a routine, first trimester abortion as it actually happens (as opposed to the utter bollocks that is The Silent Scream), there'd be far less sentimentality.

Haven't heard anything further. He did say it might take a while for this advisor chap to come to the school. I've decided I will give them until Friday and then if I haven't heard anything, go back in with the script and ask that it be run past the parents forum.

I would also speak to the LEA RE Advisor and see what his/her reaction to it is.

Sorry - being thick! Just realised that it might be the LEA advisor you're talking about

Littlefish:- to answer your Q up the thread-I am assuming it's the SPUC vid? Yeah ive seen it. The Catholic Church is anti abortion so they are going to show the most grusome thing they can find, I really don't think they care about the science of it and the intention is to upset people so there ya go

OP, totally out of order if this is not a faith school-bloody hell!

Tanga- I am shocked at this. I haven't read the full thread but I know the film you are talking about. It was shown to my class when I was at school but you needed parental permission. I refused to get my letter signed as I believed then ( stiil do) that Being against capital punishment doesn't mean you show videos of people being killed!
I worked in Catholic schools for 10 years and NO school showed this video believing it to a disgrace.

Complain to the school.They won't be backed by the local authority and /or church. If it was my child I would be citing child abuse.

Sorry meant the school booard

Don't let them fob you off - good luck

i was having nightmares about this last night after reading the script ...Im 32, God knows how your child must have felt.Disgusting.

Bump for Tanga - any news? Did the head ever get back to you?