Abortion: The impact on lives (Part 1)
In an article “The Global State of Abortion” published in the Winter 2021 edition of the ERLC “Light Magazine”, the following was identified: “According to the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute, around 119 million unplanned pregnancies occurred each year between 2015 and 2019. Of those pregnancies, around 61%, or 73 million, ended in abortion. These numbers represent 73 million precious lives lovingly created in the image of God. The fight to save preborn lives like these and see an end to the atrocity of abortion continues around the world, even as several countries are moving to legalize abortion for the first time”.
These statistics are staggering, indeed it is difficult to comprehend the scale of the numbers involved. For comparison, the estimated population of the UK (June 2020) is 67.1 million.
Hidden behind these statistics is the governmental, societal and economic pressure placed upon women and their husbands or partners to abort ‘unwanted children’ – let us never forget that the life in the womb is a child not-yet born. Abortion is contrary to the Word of God yet ‘medical’ pressure is brought to bear on both Christians and non-Christians alike, especially under the guise of ‘abnormalities’.
One such case is Pearl Joy Brown (2012-18). Pearl was born to Ruth and Eric (Brown) who have been involved in producing a video on their experiences in which they give all honour and glory to the Lord and record the Lord’s goodness to them and their family together with Hur they were upheld through the darkness of their path. The video is also a solemn reminder of the shortness of life and yet the joy this little life brought to her parents and family. The following provides the context of the video made about the life of Pearl Brown:
“Choosing life is a decision that goes beyond refusing to have an abortion. It can be easy for the Church to advocate for the lives of unborn children but forget the sometimes difficult implications for mothers and families who choose to protect the lives of their babies rather than to cling to what is comfortable or “normal.”
When Eric and Ruth Brown found out that their daughter’s brain was not forming properly, doctors were anything but hopeful. But for them, there was no choice to make. They were confident that their job was to protect the life of their daughter, Pearl. Although Pearl’s life was short, it was still precious and valuable. She was created by God (Psa. 139:13) and made in his image (Gen. 1:26-27).
In her life and death, Pearl’s family experienced the mingling of great joy and great lament. This is the reality for many mothers and families who choose life. The ERLC is committed to protecting life at all stages, and we want to equip the Church to come alongside families as they walk through the dark days of having to say goodbye to the child they chose to keep, protect, and love. As Eric and Ruth share the story of Pearl’s life, may you be encouraged to choose life and to love and walk with families who are choosing life”.
The video can be found by clicking here.
We would hope, in the Lord’s purposes, to publish further posts on this topic.
CViE updated, in 2017, its booklet on Abortion to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act by Parliament in 1967. The principles and points made in the booklet are still valid, perhaps more concern is the increase in the number of abortions in England and Wales. This is highlighted by the ‘Abortion statistics, England and Wales: 2020’ which highlight that there were 209,917 abortions for women resident in England and Wales, the highest number since the Abortion Act was introduced. One statistic that is often overlooked is that 99% of abortions in England & Wales were funded by the NHS, with 77% of abortions taking place in the independent sector. 2020 also saw passing of legislation that permitted abortions at home. The tragedy of this has been highlighted by Christian Concern, and its support for UK pro-life groups seeking to compassionately expose and detail the true impact these pills.
Do pray for those involved in ministering and supporting individuals who are caught in the trap/belief that abortion is the only option
Further reading:
The Global State of Abortion: An international round-up of recent legislative efforts
Abortion statistics, England and Wales: 2020
CViE Abortion A simple overview
NOTE: Although we make every effort to ensure these links mentioned are accurate, up-to-date and relevant, CViE cannot take responsibility for content and pages maintained by external providers, nor do we endorse all information, religious views or opinions posted on these third-party websites.
