Few topics can cause more intense emotions (on both sides) than the ‘pro-life / pro-choice’ debate. As a result, it can become easy to hold a position without thinking through that position very carefully. We simply have an emotional reaction, one way or the other, and then adopt that as our default.
Regardless of the view that one holds, if we are to make progress in this area of moral concern, then we must find common ground where it exists and learn to treat others with respect—even though we may passionately disagree at the end of the day. We do this because truth matters and truth doesn’t evaporate simply because people disagree.
Before exploring the issues, I want to acknowledge that there are many deeply personal and social issues wrapped up in the topic of abortion. My intention is not to dismiss or minimize the pain, shame, or regret that women and men feel when the topic of abortion is raised. So as we look objectively at the moral status of the unborn, please remember that in Christ there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1) and that God is in the business of redeeming and healing broken and wounded people—and all of us are in need of that.
What a difference a day makes. In one day, the tone and policy from the Whitehouse changed considerably concerning unborn human persons.
“All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us….The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America…”
enter President Obama…
“On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services….On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere.”
Today we learned that President Obama has reversed the The Mexico City Policy – “Specifically, the policy bans U.S. taxpayer money, usually in the form of U.S. Agency for International Development funds, from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion.” In other words, American taxpayers will now have our taxes pay for abortions globally, in the name of “family planning.”
The abortion rights issue has been all over the blogosphere. and there have been some really good posts. The bottom line is we cannot remain silent, we must remain civil, and we must learn how to make our case for life in langauge our culture can understand one conversation at a time? Are you prepared? Here is a case you can make in ten seconds. Here You can do it in 5 minutes.
I want to highly recomed the book The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture by Scott Klusendorf. If you read just one book, read this one.
Other helpful resources and blogs.
from Stand to Reason:
36 Years Since Roe v. Wade
Here are some important articles to equip you to change minds as the legal protections for the unborn, such as they are, begin to crumble as President Obama signs executive orders today:
The always excellent Robert George
A way to get involved
STR’s library of pro-life persuasion
from Feminists for Life: It is very important to remember that many women are against abortion. There is some really good thinking–from women’s persepctives–at this site. Here is a great PDF handout.
from Between two Worlds: