Here is an article I finally got around to writing.
I hope you find this useful.
Summary:
In Buddhism, “Killing” is defined by the technical mechanics of the mind, not by social laws. The unwholesome Kamma is complete only if Five Factors are present:
- Presence: A Living Being.
- Perception: Knowing it is alive.
- Intention: A mind bent on killing.
- Effort: Making the attack.
- Result: The being dies.
If all five are met, the precept killing (pāṇātipāta) is broken. This rule applies equally to Self-Defense, Euthanasia, and Abortion—Kamma judges the intention to destroy life, not the justification for doing so.
Full article below: