TABLE OF CONTENTS; Table of Cases; List of Statutes; Introduction; Research Methodology; a) Aims and Objectives; b) Research Questions; c) Method of Analysis; d) Sources of Data; e) Mode of Citation; CHAPTER I: ABORTION----RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL ISSUES; Views of the religion; Views of the Society; Attitude of the society; CHAPTER II: ABORTION---ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES; Ethical and Legal issues relating to abortion; CHAPTER III: CONCEPT OF PERSONHOOD AND STATUS OF FOETUS IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS; Common Law Position; The Law of Property; Law of Contract; The Criminal Law Law of Torts Law of Abortion Abortion in International Law; Standing on behalf of unborn; Conflicting interests; Rights of the Mother; Right to Privacy; Right to Bodily Integrity; Right to Gender Equality; Freedom from Involuntary Servitude; Right to Life; Rights of the Mother v. Interest of the Foetus; Legal personality--- a myth; CHAPTER IV: Concept of Personhood and Status of Foetus; in Different Jurisdictions---A Comparative Analysis; CONCLUSION; BIDLIOGRAPHY; ANNEXURE