Ethics

Abortion

When considering abortion, the Hindu way is to choose the action that will do least harm to all involved: the mother and father, the foetus and society.

Animal ethics

Because Hinduism is a term that includes many different although related religious ideas, there is no clear single Hindu view on the right way to treat animals.

Capital punishment

There is no official Hindu line on capital punishment. However, Hinduism opposes killing, violence and revenge, in line with the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Contraception

There is no ban on birth control in Hinduism.

Euthanasia and Suicide

There are several Hindu points of view on euthanasia and suicide. Most would say that assisting death brings bad karma because it violates the nonviolence principle. But there are accepted Hindu ways to bring about death.

Organ donation

No religious law prohibits Hindus from donating their organs and tissues.

War

Like most religions Hinduism includes both teachings that condemn violence and war, and teachings that promote it as a moral duty.