We see it on the news every day: women protesting for the right to abortion. “My body my choice,” they say. Could that be true? Why are most Christians so passionate about the pro-life stance? Let’s dive in to why pro-life is so important from a Christian perspective.
According To The Bible, When Does Life Begin?
As a Christian, I believe that life begins at conception. The Bible says in Psalms, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” I believe life begins at conception because God is the designer behind each human being. He forms each of us from the very beginning.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:14-16
Read that again. When we understand God’s all-encompassing love for us we begin to understand the sanctity of life. Wanted or unwanted by their mothers, all babies are loved and created by God.
Isn’t it a Woman’s Right to Choose?
No. I believe the world has created this facade that because a baby grows in a woman’s body, we can do with it as we please. However, the Bible clearly states, our bodies are not our own. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Jesus says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” As women, we get the insane privilege of growing a baby in our bodies, the question is how did that go from being a gift to an unbearable burden?
I don’t see a baby’s life as a “right” to keep or get rid of, but rather a gift.
Whether the baby has a genetic abnormality or the baby is a result of sexual abuse, he or she is still a gift. God doesn’t make any mistakes when He forms a baby in us. God has a purpose and a plan for every baby.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
What About Women Who Are Sexually Abused?
It is the unfortunate reality of our world that women suffer sexual abuse. I know some people have a hard time giving a black and white answer for this question. However, I see it as a black and white situation. It all comes down to right versus wrong.
Abortion is a morality issue, not something to determine on a case by case basis.
If we as a society declare that sexual abuse is morally wrong can we also declare that abortion is morally wrong?
Abortion is morally wrong because it is taking a life. One of God’s 10 commandments was “Thou shalt not kill.” Why? Because God knows that killing hurts others and ourselves.
God is the creator of life and it is only within his rights to take away life. When we start allowing gray areas in the argument for abortion, we start playing God.
No matter what circumstances a baby is born from, God will bring good about through it. God could use a baby born from sexual abuse to eventually bring comfort to the woman who was abused. He could use him or her to start a counseling center for sexually abused women. There are no limits to what God can do when we just follow what the Bible says and his guidance through the Holy Spirit.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
What About Unborn Babies With Fatal Defects?
This is a big one! Again, many people, even pro-life advocates, have a problem answering this question.
We live in a fallen and sinful world, and as a result we have diseases and death. Just as with suffering a miscarriage, carrying a baby with a genetic abnormality or a possible fatal defect is bound to be an incredibly tough experience. However, I believe that even in this, God has a plan.
I don’t believe He wants us to suffer, but because of our choices and the choices of every other human on the planet, our world is filled with sin. We sometimes have to suffer the consequences of that. Thankfully, we have promises from God that 1) He will work things for good for those who love him and 2) we will someday live in a perfect world with Him!
To sum it up, I do not believe a fatal defect or a genetic abnormality is grounds for abortion. I believe God didn’t make a mistake when He formed that baby. He will use the experience or the child to change us and strengthen us. It’s not something I would wish on anyone, and I truly am in awe of all the women who experience this sort of trial.
What If Having A Baby Could Ruin The Mother’s Life?
If you are currently pregnant, there is no easy way out. Abortion will change your life in a much worse way than having a baby ever will. Women were made with an innate desire to care for our children. When women choose to take the life that is growing inside of them it does something to our brain. Besides hurting the body physically, it also hurts the body mentally. It can bring about anxiety, stress, shame, depression, anger, and even PTSD. Studies have shown that “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness in comparison to women who have not had abortions.”
Besides the precious innocent baby’s life, think about these precious moms lives. Having a baby may be the harder short-term choice, but long-term they will never have to deal with the idea of whether or not they made the right choice.
What About After Choosing Life?
This is a big question and complaint from the pro-choice side. The impression is that pro-life side cares only for the life of the baby and not of the after effects that come with choosing life. First, let’s talk about adoption.
Aren’t Most Adoption Agencies Overfilled?
What about adoption? The women who are unfit or unwilling to become mothers have the choice of putting their child up for adoption. The question is, does that do any good? Isn’t there hundreds of thousands of kids waiting to be adopted? Yes there are tons of kids waiting to be adopted, about 135,000 kids are adopted in the United States each year. However, there are around two million couples in the United States waiting to adopt a child. If you divide 2 million by 135,000, you can see there are at least 14 families looking to adopt for every 1 child that needs to be adopted.
After-Care For Women
There are countless organizations that are dedicated to helping women after having a baby, after giving a baby up for adoption, or even after an abortion. Some places offer baby supplies and provide a community of women who have been through similar circumstances. There are organizations that provide free counselors for women who chose to have an abortion and are struggling or for women who have given their baby up for adoption. On top of all these organizations, local Christian churches can also be a great resource for women looking for care.
What If I Already Had An Abortion?
If you have had an abortion and you are struggling, I want you to know that you have complete freedom from shame in Jesus. The Bible says in Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
If you believe in Jesus and ask forgiveness for your sins, it is 100% covered. (Check out Romans 10:9 if you have never asked Jesus into your life).
Jesus loves you and He’s got your precious baby in Heaven with Him.
If you feel like you are searching for an unattainable peace after what you have gone through, look to God. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
Start by praying, telling God how you feel. Ask him for peace and what to do to move forward. I know our great God will give you peace and work all things together for good!
This post is not meant to guilt trip or to condemn, but rather to inform. My heart is for the babies who will never get the chance to be a miracle, and for the mothers who believe abortion is the only logical option. Now I will leave you to ponder this question for yourself.
Why is pro-life so important?
Resources:
If you have had an abortion or are considering an abortion, please consider contacting one of the resources below. They are Christian organizations that can counsel you and help you make the right decision for you and your baby.
Save The Storks Option Line Live Action Embrace Grace
If you are looking to support or get involved in a pro-life organization, here are some of my favorites:
Save The Storks, Heartbeat International, Embrace Grace, Refuge Pregnancy Center, Mama’s House, National Diaper Bank Network, Let Them Live
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