Why is there even a debate about killing over 600,000 innocent unborn babies each year in the US?
Children are viewed as a gift from God in Christian teaching. The Bible speaks of God knowing each life before it is even formed, as seen in Psalm 139:13-16: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
This belief underpins the conviction that life begins at conception and is sacred. However, during the era of Roe v. Wade (1973-2022), the United States witnessed over 65 million abortions. In 2021 alone, 625,978 unborn lost their lives by the legally induced abortions that were reported to CDC from 48 reporting areas.
Make no mistake—these were the premeditated killings of an innocent third party. The developing child is not a disposal “fetus” but a human undergoing its initial stages of development, a state of being common to all humans.
Christians believe, and science supports, that the unborn child is a distinct human life, separate from the mother, with unique DNA from the moment of conception.
While cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s health are often cited as reasons for ending an innocent life, they account for a tiny percentage of all abortions. Most occur for other reasons, and examining these can help us understand the broader context.
Common Reasons for Abortion Beyond Rape, Incest, and Maternal Health
The decision to end a pregnancy is complex and varies from person to person. Yet, recurring reasons explain why so many women choose this path.
Economic Hardship
Many women cite financial constraints as a primary reason for seeking an abortion. Raising a child is expensive, and it can feel overwhelming without sufficient resources.
The average cost of raising a child to 18 in the US is estimated at around $233,610. For many women, especially single mothers, the prospect of such a financial burden can lead them to believe that abortion is their only option. Many women choose to kill their unborn baby rather than face the challenge of doing this.
This reason for ending the life of a baby is especially sad in America in the 21st century. There have never been more opportunities for women to get training, jobs, and subsidized childcare. There have never been more public funds available to help women.
Lack of Partner Support
Another significant factor is the absence of a supportive partner. Many women feel isolated and abandoned, fearing they cannot raise a child on their own. In the context of single parenthood, 40% of births in the US occur outside of marriage. Without a stable partnership or family support system, women may feel incapable of providing a stable home environment.
Educational and Career Impact
Women may also choose abortion to protect their educational and career prospects. The arrival of a child often means a pause in studies or work, which can jeopardize future opportunities. A 2020 study found that 74% of women who had abortions stated that having a baby would interfere with their education or job. This highlights a societal issue where women incorrectly feel pressured to choose between their futures and their unborn children.
Moral Implications: The Personhood of the Unborn
The moral question of abortion often centers around the personhood of the unborn child. Christians believe that from conception, the unborn baby is a distinct human being with unique DNA. It is not simply an extension of the mother’s body but a separate life with inherent value.
The Biological Distinction
The unborn child’s unique DNA, established at conception, indicates that it is a separate human being. This biological fact supports the Christian view that life begins at conception and should be protected.
The Bible reinforces this by saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5), indicating that God recognizes the personhood of the unborn.
Historical Parallels: Slaves Were Treated as Property
Historically, the dehumanization of others has led to justifying their mistreatment. Slave owners once argued that slaves were mere property, not persons. The label “nigger” dehumanized them, as does the word “fetus” in reference to a child in prenatal development. Killing is easier if you change to label of a person to debase their humanity.
In a similar vein, modern arguments for abortion often frame the unborn as part of the woman’s body rather than as distinct individuals. But the baby has its own DNA and is a unique person. Both cases reflect a disturbing tendency to deny personhood to justify ending a life. Christians, however, see every human as made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), deserving of dignity and protection.
Psychological Imperatives
We cannot overlook the state of mind of those engaged in recreational sex and are faced with its procreational aspect when they discover they are pregnant. Hormones change with conception, and that, combined with fear and anxiety, leads many women to make irrational decisions. They believe killing the innocent baby will solve all their problems.
Society reinforces this toxic idea. Officials champion those groups that embrace a killing mentality, like Planned Parenthood. They try to intimidate or shut down Christian groups who are trying to save the lives of both the mother and the unborn child.
There is a panoply of psychological issues for women surrounding an unplanned pregnancy. They range from simple stress to pathological narcissism. Should an innocent unborn die because of this psychological distress, or should treatment be required to address the woman’s concern before she ends a life?
Any woman who needs objective, rational counseling sessions should be required to get them. Conspiring with an abortion doctor about mental or physical health to justify the killing is certainly not acceptable. The reality is that many women are tormented all their lives for deciding to kill their unborn baby.
Ethical Considerations
From a Christian perspective, ending the life of the unborn is seen as morally wrong because it goes against the commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). While this view may be controversial in a pluralistic society, it is rooted in the belief that all life is precious and should be defended, especially the most vulnerable.
We must also call into question in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is a classic case of doing wrong in order to do right. It is a popular medical procedure for couples struggling with infertility, which is good. But it often involves the creation of multiple embryos, some of which are discarded. This raises ethical concerns for Christians who believe that life begins at conception.
IVF is not only costly but also emotionally taxing. Moreover, it often involves creating more embryos than are needed, making it difficult to decide what to do with the remaining ones. For Christians, this practice can feel like a contradiction, as it may involve the destruction of human life. The solution may lie in encouraging couples to consider adoption. This option aligns with biblical teachings about caring for orphans (James 1:27).
The Call to Adoption
Adoption is a powerful alternative, offering a loving home to children in need while also addressing the desires of couples to have a family.
Christians in the US have led efforts in establishing orphanages and adoption services, showing a commitment to caring for the fatherless. Adoption reflects the heart of the gospel, where believers are adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5).
Building a Culture of Support
For adoption to become a more viable option, women must have the strength of spirit to carry their child to full term. They must get the financial and emotional support they need. Women must be encouraged to continue their education or job during their pregnancy; capable women do it every day.
At the same time, society must foster a culture that celebrates it rather than stigmatizes it. Churches and communities can play a vital role by emotionally, spiritually, and financially supporting adoptive families. When a community rallies around couples choosing adoption, it reduces the barriers and makes the process less daunting.
Biblical Strategies for Supporting Women and Protecting Life
Given the Christian commitment to valuing all life, it is vital to offer tangible, compassionate alternatives to abortion.
Providing Comprehensive Care
The church can create ministries that provide practical support to pregnant women, such as counseling, financial aid, and housing. Programs like pregnancy resource centers offer free services and education, helping women see that life-affirming options are available. Proverbs 31:8 says, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.” This charge compels Christians to advocate for the unborn and their mothers.
Promoting Education and Awareness
Education plays a crucial role in changing cultural perceptions about the unborn. Churches can host workshops and seminars that teach about fetal development, the sanctity of life, and the alternatives to abortion. By educating both men and women, communities can reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and increase awareness about adoption.
Partnering with Community Organizations
Finally, partnering with local and national organizations that support women in crisis pregnancies can amplify the impact. By working together, Christians can help ensure that women do not feel pressured into abortion due to a lack of resources. This approach reflects the early Christian practice of caring for the vulnerable and starting the first hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
We don’t have to take on these tasks ourselves. We can elect officials who create taxpayer funded programs to stop the killing by supporting women.
Christians Can Take Action Now
The issue of abortion is complex and emotionally charged, but Christians are called to be a light in dark places. By understanding the reasons behind abortion and the moral implications involved, believers can respond with compassion and practical support.
Through promoting adoption, comprehensive care, and education, the church can be a voice for justice that protects the unborn and supports women in unintended circumstances.
In a society where many feel isolated and overwhelmed, the Christian community can make a difference by being a source of hope and a refuge of love. This is the heart of the gospel: to care for the least of these and uphold every human life’s value.
Sources cited: Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
CDC abortion statistics | https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/abortion.htm
Cost of raising a child statistics | https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/01/13/cost-raising-child
Births outside marriage statistics | https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_13-508.pdf
Educational and career impact statistics | https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states
