|
What God's Word says about Abortion
Discovering God’s Value In The Sanctity of Life
“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... 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.” —Psalm 139:13-16
In 1973 the United States Supreme Court declared that a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy at any time for any reason.
Since then over 30 million legalized abortions have been performed in the United States, approximately twenty times more than all the men and women who have lost their lives in every American combat since the Revolutionary War (statistics from the Word Almanac).
What is our moral obligation on how to respond to this national dilemma? On what foundation can a person stand when faced with the life-changing decision of abortion? This pamphlet will attempt to provide some emotional and spiritual sanity to a very critical issue facing all of us
GOD'S VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE
It is extremely comforting to know that God cherishes a life. Since He is the author of all creation, it follows that human life is the most precious of all of His creation. Here's why:
Human Life Reflects God's Image
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth…So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27)
Man was to reflect God's own nature, personality, and character by being able to think, reason and have the capability to love and receive love. Man is the only created being capable of having a relationship with God.
God has attached so much value and sacredness to human life that He gave very specific instructions to protect it. In fact, six out of the Ten Commandments have to do with our treatment of each other.
Human Life Reflects God's Power. “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.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
The Psalmist gave testimony that the very existence of human life was proof of a supernatural divine designer. The complexity of the human body alone can and should leave even the hardest of skeptics in awe!
Human Life Reflects God's Love
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
Jesus Christ came to show us that human beings have incredible value to God. The potential to become God's very own children gives great worth to each and every human regardless of physical or mental handicap. Jesus Christ established our worth by willingly dying on a cross so that our sins may be forgiven and our relationship with God could be restored. “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life
Difficult Questions
What About the Tragedy of Rape or Incest?
We agree that rape and incest are some of the cruelest forms of human crime against another. The truth is that pregnancy resulting from rape or incest is very uncommon. The statistical occurrences are so low that it can rarely be calculated. [Studies in Pennsylvania and Minnesota have shown that out of 5000 consecutive rapes, not one pregnancy resulted. This is because when real rape has occurred, the victim can be promptly treated with vaginal irrigations and spermicide to prevent conception.] The reason to destroy a fetus may appear good in these rare cases, but can it in any way equal the wrong committed by the destruction of the infant? Do two wrongs make a right? The unborn child is an innocent being in no way responsible for the offense. The rapist has rights under the law; the woman has rights under the law; the only one without rights is the baby.
What About the Mother's Life and Safety?
Obviously, giving birth can present possible unforeseen risks that threaten the life of the mother. In these very rare occasions, the parents and the doctors must make a difficult decision. The truth is that even in the most difficult birthing experiences, it is almost always the fragile life of the baby that is in danger. What has transpired over time is that the definition of “endangering the life of the mother” has come to include 'inconveniencing” the life of the mother. Hence, abortion has become a violent form of birth control instead of a form of protecting the mother.
What About the Deformed Fetus?
There is much emotion when the possibility of a deformed fetus is presented. We have to ask: Do we have the right to decide that the sickly should not have life? Is there any evidence to indicate that an infant with deformities would rather not be born since he cannot be consulted? The answer is obviously No! Handicapped people value life. Suicides are not common among people with handicaps. Andre E. Hellyers, M.D., of John Hopkins Hospital, states, “while it is easier to feel that abortion is being performed for the sake of the fetus, honesty requires us to recognize that we perform it for adults.”
What About The Risks?
Clinical research provides increasing scientific evidence that having an abortion can cause deep psychological pain and physical complications such as hemorrhages, laceration of the cervix, uterine perforation, inflammation of the reproductive organs and menstrual disturbances. Psychologically speaking, there is a whole field of scientific study known as Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS). Women suffering PAS may experience nightmares, attempt suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, uncontrollable crying, personal relationship disorders, sexual dysfunction, repeated abortions, flashbacks, and damaged self-esteem.
What About Forgiveness?
Guilt is what an individual feels when she has violated her own moral code. For the woman who, at some point after the abortion, believes that she consented to the killing of her pre-born child, the burden of guilt is relentless. The inner voice of self-condemnation begins a repeating tape in the mind that accuses, “You are defective. How could you have done this thing?”
The good news is that the grace and mercy of God covers over a multitude of sins. Through Jesus Christ there is forgiveness available for those who will place their faith in Him and trust in Him for a new start.
“If we will confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
What About My Right to Choose?
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Focusing on choice without reference to the object of the choice was morally empty.” Jesus Christ said it this way, “What will a man profit if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul.” (Matt 16:26) It is clear that all of life is presented as choices. While we have the choice to steal, kill and lie, law governs these choices. Others provide the law to protect the innocent victims of cruel and selfish treatment. Without laws and consequences, there can be no freedom. Freedom comes from a clear distinction between right and wrong, good and evil. Choice can never be right if it results in the loss of freedom for another human being. Therefore, freedom to choose comes with a high responsibility and a high price. The price is the difference between life and death.
Before You Decide
Before you decide to have an abortion or advise someone else to have one, get the facts straight. There are alternatives that are safer and healthier both physically and emotionally. If we can help in any way, please call us at (425) 488-4121.
|