Abortion

Human life is a gift from God. God is the creator and artist behind all creation, and humans, made in God’s image, have a special part in His created beauty (Psalm 8:3–4). Even at microscopic size, after conception, human life is considered valuable. The Bible gives us a glimpse at the miracle that God fashions. Hidden in the womb, each precious human is knitted together and, while still in secret, is known fully by God (Psalm 139:13–16). Children are considered gifts (Psalm 127:3); gifts that we are encouraged to receive with joy and love.

The Bible also teaches us that to take the life of another human is wrong (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 19:18). Jesus tells us that He has come so that all may have life; life to the full (John 10:10). As Christians, we learn that it is not for us to take away life, but to accept all life as a gift from God.

There may be times when this biblical teaching challenges us. What about the forty-something-year-old parents with three teenagers who had ‘completed their family’ but find themselves facing having a baby soon? What if a teenage romance has ended with a break-up and a pregnancy? What about when doctors tell expectant parents that the baby, still in the womb, will have extensive abnormalities? What about rape?

In the face of fear, potential shame, loss of income, autonomy, and other real challenges, God calls on us to trust in him for all that we receive. Jesus, who knew temptation and trial, taught us to walk a path of love and self-sacrifice, but mostly to take our fears and concerns to God. Our prayers, pleading and thanksgiving to God will be rewarded with peace for our heart and mind (Philippians 4:6–7).

And what about those of us who have had an abortion either from a sense of having no choice, or being coerced by family members, medical teams or through fear of public shame or humiliation?

For some there may be no concern or regret after an abortion, for sin deceives us to believe that what is wrong is right and what is right is wrong (Proverbs 14:12). Many carry a powerful sense of regret, pain, and loss. For others, there may be guilt that they enjoy a career or lifestyle because a pregnancy was ended.

Regardless of our motives, the truth is that we have all fallen short of what God intended for us. As Scripture tells us: 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23). To address our guilt and sin, God became a human like us and suffered punishment on our behalf by his death on the cross (John 3:16). He saves us from the death we deserve and instead gives us life, full forgiveness and an eternal future with God (John 14:1–3).