Abortion and Life
Biblical Basis
God is the Creator of human life. This life has infinite value since all people are created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:26,27; Psalm 8:4, 5). God marvelously forms each person in the womb with skill and care (Psalm 139:13-15). Examples from Scripture indicate that God defines one’s purpose even before conception (Genesis 25:22-23; Isaiah 49:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15).We believe that individual human life begins at conception. Taking the life of another, whether before or after birth, for a perceived advantage or vengeance, is murder.
God forbids murder (Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13; 1 John 3:11-15). Mosaic Law contains a specific ruling for one who causes injury to a pregnant woman or her child (Ex. 21:22-25). This law shows that the consequences for injury or murder apply to those who cause injury or death to the pre-born. God will punish all murderers who refuse his grace (Genesis 4:8-12; Romans 1:28-32). He will forgive any murderer who seeks His mercy and grace (1 John 1:9; 1 Tim. 1:8-16).
God forbids killing the innocent (Exodus 23:7). Furthermore, we have a responsibility to defend the defenseless (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Scientific Perspective
Human life is a continuum. Only living cells can reproduce. When the sperm joins the egg at conception, the chromosomes of the ovum and chromosomes of the sperm join to form a completely new genetic package. Nothing more can be added to alter the genetic makeup of this new person. Although it is dependent upon the woman’s body for nurture and protection for a time, it is from conception a separate entity, programmed for development into a mature adult.
Abortion is the willful destruction of a pre-born child. Abortions have been shown to contribute to significant physical, emotional and relational problems for the biological parents, especially for the mother.
Societal Considerations
The abortion issue is one symptom of the moral condition of our society. Individualism, materialism and a self-centered approach to life have contributed to the development of the abortion situation. The above traits are evidence of the refusal to acknowledge the supremacy of Holy God. The result is that human life is devalued.
Immoral behavior, lack of respect for others and oneself, and lack of commitment to lifelong marriage (one woman and one man) result in the breakdown of traditional family units. The very young (as well as the aged and disabled) are the most vulnerable casualties of the devaluing of human life.
Abortions are acts of violence against women and their pre-born children.
Destruction of pre-born infants has greatly altered the population pyramid. There are now fewer children and young people who will be able to enter the work force, to serve as volunteers, to fulfill government mandates, and to care for the aging population.
There has been a significant decline in the adoption of infants since the legalization of abortions. Parents hopeful of adopting children face longer and longer waiting periods because there is a decline in the number of children available for adoption.
Abortions are common occurrences in organized prostitution where unwanted pregnancies are a business liability.
In some cases, financial pressures override other values in apparently stable family units, and contribute to the decision to abort an unplanned pregnancy.
“Pro-choice” spokespersons insist that abortion should be allowed in cases of conception as a result of rape, or if it is deemed that continuing the pregnancy will adversely affect the health of the mother, or in cases of genetic disorders. According to medical practitioners pregnancy due to rape is a rare occurrence. Records kept by abortionists themselves reveal that the vast majority of abortions are carried out for reasons of convenience.
Individual and Corporate Responsibility
We must:
1. Value and affirm each child as an individual created by and in the image of God.
2. Encourage our churches to uphold God’s demand for personal purity. We need to train both sexes to practice Christian principles regarding their sexuality. Abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage are taught in Scripture.
3. Exercise “choice” before conception, not as a justification for abortion. We reject any form of birth control that interrupts even the first hours of life.
4. Encourage expectant parents to accept personal responsibility to protect and nurture the life entrusted to them, regardless of the circumstances of conception.
5. Assist biological parents in fulfilling their responsibility for the health, care and well-being of their children both before and after birth. If the biological parents are unable and/or unwilling to provide that care, adoption should be considered and encouraged.
6. Encourage our churches to support reputable pro-life organizations. We encourage our churches and members to work with local pregnancy crisis centers that are giving practical and loving help to women making the choice for life over abortion.
7. Recognize that abortion has been legalized, but respond to it in ways that are Scripturally and morally correct. Violence should not be used, either against the unborn child or against those who would take its life. Violence or destruction of property is never a godly response.
8. Reach out with redemptive compassion to those who have been affected by abortion (biological parents, extended family and close friends), sharing the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ.
9. Offer support and encouragement to those in the medical profession who face disciplinary action as a result of refusing to participate in providing abortions based on their ethical and religious objections.
We should vote, when possible, for people who uphold a godly standard regarding abortion and the family.
We should express to our elected representatives our opposition to abortion. Pray that our governments would begin to protect the unborn and that they would stand against the human rights abuses of countries that force women to abort babies.
Fellowship Conclusions
We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life and that we are created in His image. We affirm the inherent worth of each individual, pre-born or born. This worth is not determined by age, ability, sex or race. Each individual life begins at conception. Any form of birth control that interrupts even the first hours of life is murder. We oppose abortion and strive to protect and cherish each life.
Addendum to Abortion
1. Abortion and Declining Population (altering the population pyramid)
While many countries struggle with high birth rates, Canada has the opposite problem. The declining birth rate ought to be a concern for all of us. Will there be sufficient young people in the coming decades to provide the social support needed to assist the elderly?*
* Page 5, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Brief to Parliamentary Committee, (Bill C 43) February 2, 1990 EFC, Box 8800 Station B, Willowdale, ON, Canada M2K 2R6 “Abortion for Reasons of Convenience.”
2. Abortion as it affects adoptions
The National Council for Adoption (FCFA) conservatively estimates that there are at least one million infertile and fertile couples who are waiting to adopt children.[1] For every one adoptable infant available, there are at least 40 couples hoping to adopt.[2]
[1] National Committee for Adoption, Adoption Factbook, Washington D.C., June 1989, p. 157
[2] NCFA, Adoption Factbook, p. 64
Contributing to this phenomenon: Approximately 1.5 million abortions take place in the United States every year. About one quarter of these abortions are to teenagers, and more than four fifths are to unmarried mothers.
The Alan Guttmacher Institute, Abortion in the United States, Facts in Brief, 1994; and Henshaw, S.K. and J. Van Vort, editors, Abortion Factbook, 1992 Edition: Readings, Trends, and State and Local Data to 1988, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, April, 1992, pp. 176–177.
The “adoption demand,” though a large problem, could theoretically be erased or at least drastically reduced if more pregnant women chose adoption rather than abortion.
From In Focus, IF95L2AD, Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100 FAX (202) 393 2134
The trend is undeniable. The rate of adoptions declined dramatically after abortion was made legal. Before 1973, about one in five premarital births to white women was placed for adoption; but by the late 1970s, this proportion had shrunk to less than one in ten, and by the late 1980s, to one in thirty.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centres for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, “Report to Congress on Out of Wedlock Childbearing.” Hyattsville, Maryland: September 1995, p. 55. Taken from data published by Bachrach, C. et al, “Relinquishment of Premarital Births: Evidence from National Survey Data.” Family Planning Perspectives 24 [1]:27 33, 1992.
From In Focus, IF95L3AD, Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100 FAX (202) 393 2134 Canadian Statistics.
In 1970, 12,000 abortions were performed in Canada, and 20,500 children were placed for adoption. In 1990, there were 94,000 abortions and 8900 adoptions.
“ProLife News” as found in Mennonite Brethren Herald, Volume 36, no. 21, Nov. 7, 1997 p. 6.
3. Abortion common in organized prostitution
This statement is made after awareness gleaned from various articles, books — reading done prior to work on this position paper; reading that made an impact and opened my eyes to a world that is far removed from my own, but very real to those who live in it. I realize it would be helpful to have documented sources.
4. Records kept by abortionists themselves indicate vast majority are carried out for reasons of convenience
According to Dr. Martin Haskell, an abortionist who has performed more than 1,000 partial birth abortions about 80 percent are done for Apurely elective@ reasons. The other 20 percent are done for “genetic reasons,” which includes such non life threatening conditions as having a cleft palate or Down syndrome.
“Shock Tactic Ads Target Late Term Abortion Procedure,” American Medial News, July 5, 1993. From In Focus, IF96D2LF 4/22/96 Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500, Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100, FAX (202) 393-2134.
Abortion in the United States for rape, incest, to protect the life of the mother, or to void a defective fetus comprise less than five percent of all abortions. The rest are performed just for convenience.
C. Everett Koop, M.D. as told to Dick Bohrer in “Deception on Demand,” Moody Monthly Pro Life section, May 1980.
God is the Creator of human life. This life has infinite value since all people are created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:26,27; Psalm 8:4, 5). God marvelously forms each person in the womb with skill and care (Psalm 139:13-15). Examples from Scripture indicate that God defines one’s purpose even before conception (Genesis 25:22-23; Isaiah 49:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15).We believe that individual human life begins at conception. Taking the life of another, whether before or after birth, for a perceived advantage or vengeance, is murder.
God forbids murder (Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13; 1 John 3:11-15). Mosaic Law contains a specific ruling for one who causes injury to a pregnant woman or her child (Ex. 21:22-25). This law shows that the consequences for injury or murder apply to those who cause injury or death to the pre-born. God will punish all murderers who refuse his grace (Genesis 4:8-12; Romans 1:28-32). He will forgive any murderer who seeks His mercy and grace (1 John 1:9; 1 Tim. 1:8-16).
God forbids killing the innocent (Exodus 23:7). Furthermore, we have a responsibility to defend the defenseless (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Scientific Perspective
Human life is a continuum. Only living cells can reproduce. When the sperm joins the egg at conception, the chromosomes of the ovum and chromosomes of the sperm join to form a completely new genetic package. Nothing more can be added to alter the genetic makeup of this new person. Although it is dependent upon the woman’s body for nurture and protection for a time, it is from conception a separate entity, programmed for development into a mature adult.
Abortion is the willful destruction of a pre-born child. Abortions have been shown to contribute to significant physical, emotional and relational problems for the biological parents, especially for the mother.
Societal Considerations
The abortion issue is one symptom of the moral condition of our society. Individualism, materialism and a self-centered approach to life have contributed to the development of the abortion situation. The above traits are evidence of the refusal to acknowledge the supremacy of Holy God. The result is that human life is devalued.
Immoral behavior, lack of respect for others and oneself, and lack of commitment to lifelong marriage (one woman and one man) result in the breakdown of traditional family units. The very young (as well as the aged and disabled) are the most vulnerable casualties of the devaluing of human life.
Abortions are acts of violence against women and their pre-born children.
Destruction of pre-born infants has greatly altered the population pyramid. There are now fewer children and young people who will be able to enter the work force, to serve as volunteers, to fulfill government mandates, and to care for the aging population.
There has been a significant decline in the adoption of infants since the legalization of abortions. Parents hopeful of adopting children face longer and longer waiting periods because there is a decline in the number of children available for adoption.
Abortions are common occurrences in organized prostitution where unwanted pregnancies are a business liability.
In some cases, financial pressures override other values in apparently stable family units, and contribute to the decision to abort an unplanned pregnancy.
“Pro-choice” spokespersons insist that abortion should be allowed in cases of conception as a result of rape, or if it is deemed that continuing the pregnancy will adversely affect the health of the mother, or in cases of genetic disorders. According to medical practitioners pregnancy due to rape is a rare occurrence. Records kept by abortionists themselves reveal that the vast majority of abortions are carried out for reasons of convenience.
Individual and Corporate Responsibility
We must:
1. Value and affirm each child as an individual created by and in the image of God.
2. Encourage our churches to uphold God’s demand for personal purity. We need to train both sexes to practice Christian principles regarding their sexuality. Abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage are taught in Scripture.
3. Exercise “choice” before conception, not as a justification for abortion. We reject any form of birth control that interrupts even the first hours of life.
4. Encourage expectant parents to accept personal responsibility to protect and nurture the life entrusted to them, regardless of the circumstances of conception.
5. Assist biological parents in fulfilling their responsibility for the health, care and well-being of their children both before and after birth. If the biological parents are unable and/or unwilling to provide that care, adoption should be considered and encouraged.
6. Encourage our churches to support reputable pro-life organizations. We encourage our churches and members to work with local pregnancy crisis centers that are giving practical and loving help to women making the choice for life over abortion.
7. Recognize that abortion has been legalized, but respond to it in ways that are Scripturally and morally correct. Violence should not be used, either against the unborn child or against those who would take its life. Violence or destruction of property is never a godly response.
8. Reach out with redemptive compassion to those who have been affected by abortion (biological parents, extended family and close friends), sharing the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ.
9. Offer support and encouragement to those in the medical profession who face disciplinary action as a result of refusing to participate in providing abortions based on their ethical and religious objections.
We should vote, when possible, for people who uphold a godly standard regarding abortion and the family.
We should express to our elected representatives our opposition to abortion. Pray that our governments would begin to protect the unborn and that they would stand against the human rights abuses of countries that force women to abort babies.
Fellowship Conclusions
We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life and that we are created in His image. We affirm the inherent worth of each individual, pre-born or born. This worth is not determined by age, ability, sex or race. Each individual life begins at conception. Any form of birth control that interrupts even the first hours of life is murder. We oppose abortion and strive to protect and cherish each life.
Addendum to Abortion
1. Abortion and Declining Population (altering the population pyramid)
While many countries struggle with high birth rates, Canada has the opposite problem. The declining birth rate ought to be a concern for all of us. Will there be sufficient young people in the coming decades to provide the social support needed to assist the elderly?*
* Page 5, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Brief to Parliamentary Committee, (Bill C 43) February 2, 1990 EFC, Box 8800 Station B, Willowdale, ON, Canada M2K 2R6 “Abortion for Reasons of Convenience.”
2. Abortion as it affects adoptions
The National Council for Adoption (FCFA) conservatively estimates that there are at least one million infertile and fertile couples who are waiting to adopt children.[1] For every one adoptable infant available, there are at least 40 couples hoping to adopt.[2]
[1] National Committee for Adoption, Adoption Factbook, Washington D.C., June 1989, p. 157
[2] NCFA, Adoption Factbook, p. 64
Contributing to this phenomenon: Approximately 1.5 million abortions take place in the United States every year. About one quarter of these abortions are to teenagers, and more than four fifths are to unmarried mothers.
The Alan Guttmacher Institute, Abortion in the United States, Facts in Brief, 1994; and Henshaw, S.K. and J. Van Vort, editors, Abortion Factbook, 1992 Edition: Readings, Trends, and State and Local Data to 1988, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, April, 1992, pp. 176–177.
The “adoption demand,” though a large problem, could theoretically be erased or at least drastically reduced if more pregnant women chose adoption rather than abortion.
From In Focus, IF95L2AD, Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100 FAX (202) 393 2134
The trend is undeniable. The rate of adoptions declined dramatically after abortion was made legal. Before 1973, about one in five premarital births to white women was placed for adoption; but by the late 1970s, this proportion had shrunk to less than one in ten, and by the late 1980s, to one in thirty.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centres for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, “Report to Congress on Out of Wedlock Childbearing.” Hyattsville, Maryland: September 1995, p. 55. Taken from data published by Bachrach, C. et al, “Relinquishment of Premarital Births: Evidence from National Survey Data.” Family Planning Perspectives 24 [1]:27 33, 1992.
From In Focus, IF95L3AD, Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500 Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100 FAX (202) 393 2134 Canadian Statistics.
In 1970, 12,000 abortions were performed in Canada, and 20,500 children were placed for adoption. In 1990, there were 94,000 abortions and 8900 adoptions.
“ProLife News” as found in Mennonite Brethren Herald, Volume 36, no. 21, Nov. 7, 1997 p. 6.
3. Abortion common in organized prostitution
This statement is made after awareness gleaned from various articles, books — reading done prior to work on this position paper; reading that made an impact and opened my eyes to a world that is far removed from my own, but very real to those who live in it. I realize it would be helpful to have documented sources.
4. Records kept by abortionists themselves indicate vast majority are carried out for reasons of convenience
According to Dr. Martin Haskell, an abortionist who has performed more than 1,000 partial birth abortions about 80 percent are done for Apurely elective@ reasons. The other 20 percent are done for “genetic reasons,” which includes such non life threatening conditions as having a cleft palate or Down syndrome.
“Shock Tactic Ads Target Late Term Abortion Procedure,” American Medial News, July 5, 1993. From In Focus, IF96D2LF 4/22/96 Family Research Council, 700 Thirteenth St. NW Suite 500, Washington DC 20005, (202) 393 2100, FAX (202) 393-2134.
Abortion in the United States for rape, incest, to protect the life of the mother, or to void a defective fetus comprise less than five percent of all abortions. The rest are performed just for convenience.
C. Everett Koop, M.D. as told to Dick Bohrer in “Deception on Demand,” Moody Monthly Pro Life section, May 1980.
