The tide of public opinion on abortion has ebbed dramatically over the past two years. On Friday, June 22, the Supreme Court handed down one of the most critical decisions in our lifetime: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Forty-nine years of nationally enshrined abortion rights were pushed down to the states. The battle was not over, but had just begun. Pro-lifers who thought this was the beginning of a new pro-life era were in for a disappointment. The reaction from the pro-choice community was strong and their response led to a wave of support for their cause leaving many pro-lifers flat-footed.
With Dobbs pushing the abortion decision back to states, abortions increased in 2023.[i] The most important work those who care about protecting the unborn need to do is at the grassroots level: supporting mothers, adoptive and foster families, and advancing a holistic vision of a life-affirming community. While this is the most important work, we cannot overlook the importance of protecting the unborn through legislation.
In this election, voters in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, Ohio, and South Dakota will decide on measures aimed at either restricting or protecting access to abortion. Some Christians who are weary of the polarized political climate and disappointed with our political options might be considering sitting this election out. I understand why you might feel that way. Let us fulfill our responsibilities as citizens. Opposing these propositions is not about judgment or condemnation but a conviction that every child deserves a chance at life. We have an opportunity to vote in a way that reflects God’s heart.
Scripture is clear about the value God places on life, including life in the womb. David wonders at his God, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place” (Ps. 139:13-16). God cares for every child, even before birth. Every life is known, valued, and planned by our Creator.
As followers of Christ, we have a moral obligation to speak up for those who have no voice. King Lemuel says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Pr. 31:8-9). The unborn are the most vulnerable among us, entirely dependent on our willingness to protect them.
Abortion is a challenging topic because it exposes the conflict between the rights of women and the rights of the unborn child. Christians have long valued both the rights and desire to care for and protect women and unborn children. In addition, the church must be sensitive to care for women who have had abortions. If you have had an abortion, my heart grieves for you. Your child is not the only victim, you are as well. You have had to navigate grief, guilt, and shame. Please know that the forgiveness and healing of Christ awaits you. You are loved and mercy awaits you.
Voting is just the beginning: our lives and voices must demonstrate a commitment to life. We are called to provide compassionate, practical support for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to choose life. This is especially important in light of a political system that provides little support for adoptive and foster families. Supporting life can mean serving as a court appointed special advocate, joining a wrap-around team for single moms, and foster and adoptive families.
The Christian community has long been on the front lines of supporting mothers and children, with thousands of pregnancy resource centers across the country providing comprehensive care and support. These centers offer free medical services, parenting classes, housing assistance, and baby supplies. They connect mothers with local resources to help with financial challenges, employment opportunities, and, importantly, a loving community of support. In addition, churches (such as New Life) have been places where foster care and adoption are championed, and thriving communities of support gather around single parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents.
We must extend our advocacy beyond policy by showing love and providing tangible support, creating a culture where mothers feel empowered to embrace life, and where the church stands as a reliable pillar of care and community. Our words are meaningful, but our actions speak louder. By combining a vote for life with compassionate outreach, we fulfill God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves, providing hope and dignity to mothers and children alike. In addition, may our churches be the safe and welcoming places for all women, including women who have had abortions. Let us speak with compassion, extending grace, and recognizing that abortion isn’t an us v. them issue, but an issue that has impacted many of us. Let us be unwavering advocates for life, speaking truth and providing support for those who need it most.
Let our hearts, words, and actions align, demonstrating the integrity of a biblical world view. Our world distorts language and truth. The pro-choice movement frames abortion as “health care.” The term health care typically evokes images of support, healing, and compassion; yet, in the case of abortion, this term has been co-opted to mask the termination of a life and the negative consequences for the mother’s mental and physical health.[ii] This deception sidesteps the reality of abortion, reframing it as a “right” rather than a profoundly moral issue involving both mother and child. Proverbs 24:11-12 speaks to this, urging us to “rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” To ignore the unborn child’s plight is to turn away from our Scriptural duty to protect life.
In the face of misleading rhetoric, let us remember the simplicity of God’s truth. Life is sacred, and it is our calling to defend it. This election, make a stand for life, and let our votes reflect our faith, our values, and our unwavering commitment to those who cannot speak for themselves. May the church be a voice for the voiceless.
[i] Isaac Maddow-Zimet and Candace Gibson, “Despite Bans, Number of Abortions in the United States Increased in 2023,” Guttmacher Institute, https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023
[ii] “Abortion Risks and Side Effects,” Compass Care, https://www.compasscare.info/health-information/abortion/abortion-risks-and-side-effects/.
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