Pease could you explain what the Jewish view of the nature and purpose of life, and also how this can be related to specific issues such as abortion?

The purpose of a Jewish life is to identify with the wisdom and the will of G-d, spreading benificence, administering justice and performing charity (Jeremiah 9 23). Abortion is forbidden except when the pregnancy threatens the life or the health of the mother or in other exceptional circumstances. A halachic authority must be consulted in each specific case.