Abortion: The impact on lives (Part 2)

This post follows on from “Abortion: The Impact on Lives (Part 1)” and continues the theme of not forgetting that 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’.

In 2021, Focus on the Family produced a series of six videos relating to aspects of abortion from a Christian perspective that could be used individually or in group discussions. The videos focus on the premise that life in the womb as a child not-yet-born and illustrates how the Lord works in the lives of people faced with hard decisions and with His purpose for those who are yet to be born with, in the Lord’s purposes, physical or mental disabilities.

The videos, although the presentation style is more direct than we might be used to, testify to the sovereignty of God in watching over the lives of the unborn. The videos, as well as holding to a biblical position on the sanctity of life, illustrate the need for Christians to know what and why they believe concerning abortion together with acting in love and compassion towards those faced with the emotional consequences of the decisions (often made unsupported and in confusion of mind) taken concerning the life of unborn children.

We would draw your attention particularly to Episodes 3, 4 and 5. “Episode 3: The power of a picture” focuses on how in the U.S., if needed, money has been made by Christian groups to pay for ultrasounds for those with unwanted babies and the impact that this has had on the mother (and father) when they see there is a little life with a heartbeat in the womb and not a ‘bunch of cells’. Accounts are included of how ultrasounds have been used to change a mother’s mind about having an abortion and the joy that the birth of a child has brought.

On a related note, the Christian Concern website has an account, that is poignantly titled “I don’t think it ever crossed my mind that it was a human”, of Charlotte Lavender who at the age of 16 had an abortion as it was seen to be the only option for her. Interestingly during the process, she underwent an ultrasound but the screen was turned away from her! As a result of a talk by the Centre Bio-Ethical Reform UK (CBR UK) Charlotte was brought to repentance and is now an advocate for unborn children.

“Episode 4: Sometimes the choices hard” is very moving and shares the experiences of those who have gone for an ultrasound with the expectation of seeing a healthily developing child only to be told the chances of survival at birth were low and termination is the only option. One of the testimonies is from Laura Hune who was faced with this situation and recounts the joy of holding a little life in her arms albeit for an appointed time. Laura subsequently formed a support group “String of Pearls” to help “families as they navigate the path following a prenatal diagnosis that may result in the death of their baby prior to, or shortly after, birth” – a more detailed account of her experience can be found by clicking here.

Another testimony is from Rachel Guy, whose parents were faced with mounting pressures to abort her as there were complications in the womb.  Her parents stood firm in their Christian faith and saw her as their child in answer to their prayers. Rachel was born at 26 weeks, weighed 1 lb 2 oz, and was in an incubator for five months.  She is now a pro-life advocate, and you can read more about Rachel and her mother by clicking here.

“Episode 5: It’s going to be amazing” is again very moving and shares the lives of three individuals who were diagnosed with abnormalities in the womb yet their parents valued their lives. Each of them, despite the disability, has been used to impact on the lives of others. Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs yet has spoken widely and been used to encourage others as part of his evangelical ministry. Tyler Sexton was born with cerebral palsy and despite being seen by medical practitioners as medically and physically disabled and of ‘no value’, Tyler is now a medical doctor in paediatric medicine providing help to parents and children. The other contributor is Trevor Hendershot who was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome yet has made positive contributions to his local community. The interview with Trevor’s father is very honest as is the real love that binds him to his son.

We may sometimes sing “God moves in mysterious way, his wonders to perform” yet it is encouraging to see wonders that are performed in the lives of His people (born and yet to be born).

As we have often written, there is a war for the minds of children and young people, sometimes described as the battle of worldviews between secular humanism/naturalism and the Bible-based worldview. One view sees what is in the womb as a ‘clump of cells’ that is a hindrance to careers, prospects and lifestyles (arguing what quality of life will the unborn have in the world?); the other sees life as precious in God’s sight and the taking of life in the womb as a wicked and sinful act of shedding innocent blood – all the while not being without love nor compassion for those whose lives have been devastated by abortion.

How there is a need for the Lord’s people to stand fast on the word of God, to give an account of what we believe both individually and in the visible church and to be salt and light in the day on which the Lord has placed us.

However, it does not stop there, but demands reflection on what we have told the generation following on how to deal with issues such as abortion which sadly are part of Western society and on what Bible teaching and guidance has been provided regarding issues they may face, if not personally, but in the lives of those they may know, study or work with.

We are also conscious that there are those who have had to walk through difficult paths, in the Lord’s purposes, concerning the birth of their children and the trials that may follow.  Our heart goes out to them and we do trust that in such cases we would be given prayer and wisdom to provide practical support.

How often have we received notifications to write to MPs or Peers regarding making our voice heard over, for example, abortion and assisted suicide (euthanasia) legislation, yet it has been passed by unattended?  Quite rightly parents are concerned about what is taught in schools regarding LGBT ideologies, does the same concern encompass abortion?  Whilst the Lord Jesus exhorted his disciple to be the salt of the earth, there was also the warning “but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13)

The Focus on the Family webpage containing the six episodes can be found by clicking here. (Note: you will need to scroll down the page to the section “Did you miss a SeeLife 2021 episode?”, then click on one of the episodes which will then take you to a screen where you can go to the next episode or return to the previous one.)

We would also hope, if the Lord will, to follow-up on other aspects of the impact of abortion on the lives of people.