The debate over “abortion” is a complex one. It involves theological, moral, medical, social, legal, ethical, humanitarian, and personal aspects. It touches the mysteries of human sexuality and the whole process of reproduction. It is, therefore, a highly emotional subject. In spite of this, I am of the opinion that the Christian Church should enter the debate for three main reasons:
First, this delicate subject affects our Doctrines of “God” and “Man.” It distinctly relates to the “Sovereignty of God” and to the “sanctity of human life.” As such, it is clearly a Theological issue, as much as it is any other issue. Consequently, the Christian Church is Divinely mandated to address this matter.
Second, learned opinions differ sharply on the matter, giving contradictory and confusing signals and clouding the issue. The Bible is clear on this matter and has much to say about human life. Therefore, the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ has a responsibility to give clear-cut directions to a confused society in this matter.
Third, the revolution in public attitudes towards “abortion,” demands that the Church deal with the matter Biblically and courageously with eternity in mind.
This practice of “abortion” is more easily accepted today than it has ever been and is much easier to access. Daniel Callahan in his article entitled, “Abortion; Law, Choice, and Immorality,” says that the total number of “abortions” legal and illegal, throughout the world was estimated in 1968, between thirty and thirty‑five million. According to Philip Hughes in “Christian Ethics in a Secular Society,” there were, by 1983, fifty to sixty million “abortions” worldwide annually. These figures are not only staggering but the sharp rise they represent is frightening. One wonders if many Medical Practitioners still subscribe to the Fifth Century Hippocratic Oath, which we believe they take. The Oath says:
I will follow the method of treatment which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly drug to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel, and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to procure an abortion.
1948, Geneva Declaration renewed its position on abortion. It stated: “I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception.”
We must note that the act of aborting babies is performed, not only by some qualified Medical Personnel but also by people with no Medical Training. Some even perform “abortions” on themselves.
The term, abortion, in the discipline of Biology, according to the World Book Dictionary, means: “to be arrested in growth, as an organ; fail to develop.” It is: “any spontaneous expulsion of an embryo of a fetus before it is sufficiently developed to survive or any deliberate procedure that removes or induces the expulsion of a living or dead embryo or fetus. This is done “ . . . not for the sake of the mother’s health, nor because the child cannot survive, no matter what gestation of life.” It is “ . . . for the sake of convenience and the happiness of the parents with end result being a dead child.”
The word, abortion, is not used in the Bible, but the Bible discusses the “sanctity of human life,” which is fundamental to the “abortion issue.” The term, “sanctity of life,” expresses the idea that human life is special in that it is created by an act of God. Every person is a unique creation of God. We are distinctly the products of the Master Creator. God created man in His own image and likeness:
And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2).
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7).
As a creative being, man has the ability to reflect the characteristics of God. This gives him a distinction above all other creation and crowns him with the special honor of being the choice handiwork of God. We must appreciate this truth if we are to put the value and the premium on human life that we ought to. On the other hand, if we challenge or ignore this, we will grossly devalue human life and will further subvert the rich, full meaning that God intends for mankind. A clear and precise understanding of the immense value that God places on human life will help us to address the “abortion issue” sensibly.
The crux of the abortion dilemma
The whole crux of the abortion dilemma lies in determining the point of gestation at which the “fetus” (foetus-Latin for offspring) is to be regarded as a human being. Is it at the time of conception? Is it one month, two months, or six months after conception? Is a full nine-month period necessary to qualify as a human being?
I am of the studied opinion that the fetus is not just a growth in the mother’s womb or just a potential human being. It is a human life, though still immature, that has the potentiality of growing into the fullness of the individual humanity he or she already possesses.
Doctor Bannon, in his article, “Abortion: Acceptable Solution or Act of Murder?”
says: Scientists agree that after six weeks of gestation quickening occurs and brain waves can be recorded. By eight weeks of gestation, all the body systems are in place; they are functioning by the 11th week. The body at this stage barely weighs an ounce, yet even at this size, a heartbeat can be heard with a pediatric stethoscope. The infant can swim freely in the amniotic fluid and will grasp an instrument placed in his palm.
Medical experts generally agree that from the moment of conception, only time, nutrition, and oxygen are added to the developing individual. They agree that essentially, all physical attributes are set the moment the sperm and egg unite. These attributes include the height of the body, the color of the hair, the shape of the nose, and the gender.
God knows us before birth
The Bible clearly shows that God has a very definite awareness of the human embryo:
You have made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13, LB).
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (Psalms 139:16).
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee . . . (Isaiah 44:2).
I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb, before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world (Jeremiah 1:5, LB).
These verses make it clear that God is not only fully aware of the embryonic stage of human development, but He is in charge of the natural processes of the miracle of life. They reinforce the “sanctity of human life,” even in the unborn stage, and clearly teach that God establishes an identity with us at the time of our conception. Such is the high-value God places on human life, He takes a personal interest in its formation and development from conception onward.
Clearly, human beings are not biological accidents, but God Himself shapes the fetus. They are God’s thoughts and designs even before conception. Life definitely begins at conception. The humanization of a fetus is at the point of conception.
The position of pro-abortionists
Pro-abortionists emphasize the right of the mother to choose whether or not to abort. They argue that abortion is a little more than a retroactive contraceptive, a practice in which even Anti-abortionists engage. They appeal to compassion and refer to situations of stress and strain that mothers endure with unwanted pregnancies. In such cases, Pro-abortionists argue, it is humanitarian to abort, since the quality of life for both parents and children could be adversely affected.
Pro-abortionists argue that women have the right to do as they please with their own bodies. This position is understandable if, in fact, our bodies are our own. This, however, is not the case. The Bible emphatically states:
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
This makes it clear that no one is free to do with one’s body whatever one wishes. One must do only those things that glorify God. The Bible is diametrically opposed to a man making himself a “god” and consequently, his own “judge” on this matter. The Bible does not allow a woman the right to be her own arbiter in the matter.
The baby inside the mother’s womb is not merely a part of the mother’s body. It has a separate identity, a personality of its own. Doctor Bannon states:
From the time of conception, this new life is distinctly different from every cell in the woman’s body. Every cell, every chromosome, every tissue, and every organ has the mark of being distinctly different from every human on earth. This uniqueness began at the moment the spermatozoa fertilized the ovum. Even the surrounding sac and umbilical cord originated with the child.
The differences between the unborn infant and a mature adult are age, type of nutrition, and place of residence.
Pro-abortionists accuse Anti-abortionists of trying to impose Christian Theology on society. Admittedly, we are attempting to popularize our concepts, but it is also true that some human experiences are basic to all. Doctor Bannon quotes from the late Cardinal Timothy Manning, Archbishop of Los Angeles, who expressed this commonality so well:
I would say that if we assert that abortion is a denial of the right to life and the need to preserve life . . . it doesn’t make any difference who is defending it. The thing is obviously wrong. And we are simply trying to stimulate the consciousness of people to realize this no matter what the law says . . . Once you pigeon-hole a thing as a sectarian [Catholic] issue, then it loses its universality . . . I would strongly protest against that classification.
Doctor Bannon adds:
It is the common universal experience of knowing that abortion is objectively wrong which causes many to resist the use of “murder,” “homicide” and “killing” in describing abortion. Because it is a universal human reaction to oppose the taking of another human’s life, those who perform such acts must either deny that the unborn is human life or view the taking of such life as something less than it really is.
Pro-abortionists quote the following verse from the Bible:
If men strive and hurt a woman with child so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according to as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follows, then thou shalt give life for life, (Exodus 21:22-23).
They erroneously argue that this passage denies the sacredness of the life of the unborn and so they use these verses to justify abortion. On the contrary, this entire passage emphasizes the sacredness of all life and establishes that those who abuse or destroy life are to be punished.
Pro-abortionists point to cases of unmarried women, who feel that they cannot cope with the stigma or disadvantage both themselves and their children have to endure in single-parent families. This, they argue, should give the parents the right to abort. They also point to cases of pregnancy resulting from adultery, rape, incest, or from the exploitation of women. Pro-abortionists say that these situations are already grave and an unwanted child adds further complications. Let us remember, however, that when a child conceived under these conditions is aborted, it is the innocent child who pays the ultimate price. Is this fair in any situation or society? In any case, statistics show that only 3% of all abortions in the United States of America are for the above reasons. This is certainly not enough to support the case for legalizing abortion.
Pro-abortionists further argue that abortion is necessary where a mother’s health and life are threatened. The point here is the very sanctity of life, as advocated by the Anti-abortionists, demands that abortion be an option. This position is understandable. We will examine it further in this discussion.
The position of the anti-abortionists or pro-life advocates
Anti-abortionists or Pro-life advocates emphasize the rights of the unborn and especially their right to life. They see “abortion” as little less than prenatal infanticide. They, too, appeal to “Justice,” but on the side of the unborn.
These are very serious issues and we must treat them with fairness, compassion, and sensitivity. Compassion, however, must be influenced by Moral and Theological guidelines. The Christian Church cannot afford to exercise compassion at the expense of truth and justice.
As reasonable as other positions may be, or however socially acceptable or unacceptable they are, the Church can deal with this delicate matter, as with all matters, only from a Biblical perspective. We must not confuse the issue with what is politically, economically, sociably, and legally expedient.
Abortion stops a beating heart
Admittedly, there are other aspects of this issue, that deserve our sympathetic consideration, but for the Church, the issue is a Moral and Theological one. “Abortion stops a beating heart” and this amounts to the taking of life, which the Bible classifies as murder. Making it legal or socially acceptable does not change this. The Bible is clear in its injunction:
Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17).
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man (Genesis 9:6).
All human life was created for God’s Glory and all bear His image:
Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: (Isaiah 42:5).
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him (Isaiah 43:7).
The Word of God is our final authority and highest code for all decisions.
existing tensions
Medical Science is generally impatient with Theologians on this issue. The former sees the latter as being unpractical and as making only “ivory-tower pronouncements” that are unrelated to painful clinical dilemmas.
On the other hand, Theologians are also understandably impatient with Medical Science, which they see as being pragmatic and making clinical decisions, uncontrolled by Theological and Moral Principles. The Human Rights Pro-abortionists also accuse Theologians of being unrealistic. Theologians, on the other hand, see them as uncaring for the unborn.
The need for dialogue
Clearly, there is a need for dialogue and for inter-disciplinary consultations on this matter. Arguably, the Christian Church may adopt the principle expressed by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, that “Human life ought not to be taken except in cases of urgent necessity.” Perhaps, we can argue that there is an ethic of “justifiable foeticide”, or by analogy, “justifiable homicide.”
The act of abortion, which interferes with the process of life, with the notable exception being cases of extreme necessity where another life is threatened, is clearly a violation of both a human being’s right to live and of Scripture. The Church cannot justify abortion, except in the gravest of circumstances and only after consultation of the most serious and responsible nature with suitably qualified Personnel. These should include Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, the Clergy, Professional Counselors, Medical Social Workers, and other such people.
Whenever such experts conclusively declare that the life of another is threatened, we should be prepared to act compassionately and with the sanctity of life in clear focus. These are to be exceptions rather than the rule. On the whole, the Christian Church should not introduce the thought of taking life into situations in which it does not exist, or it is not threatened. I say with the greatest of caution, all things considered, our attitude can safely be one of “compassionate flexibility rather than intractable rigidity.”
Abortion arises because of irresponsible behavior
The problem of abortion arises primarily because of permissiveness in sexual behavior. Pregnancies outside marriage are approaching epidemic proportions. What is the responsibility of the Church in this matter? How should the Christian Church address the issue? Is it enough to state our position on the matter from a Theological standpoint? What actions should follow our arguments?
The Church has the responsibility to teach and to counsel people on the Biblical position. It is incumbent on us to engage in positive Educational campaigns designed to inform people on the matter and to influence public thinking and Legislation. Our Educational Programmes should include the important issues of human sexuality, choosing a mate, the proper use of contraceptives within the marriage, natural birth-control methods, the serious consequences of premarital sex, and the true purpose of sex within marriage.
We should carefully deal with the whole question of the sacredness of family life. We must teach uncompromisingly against unscriptural sexual patterns in all forms and show the need for living according to Bible precepts.
Equally important, is the responsibility to offer both material and psychological support to those we advise to refrain from abortion. Compassion and care should be given to cases of physical deficiencies and other material needs that arise from this dilemma. The Church, in my view, should establish Halfway Houses, Charitable Foundations, Professional Counselling Services, Adoption Facilities, and other important support systems that will ensure acceptable standards in the quality of life for those who are trapped in this situation.
We are to “do unto others as we would that they do unto us.” This means that we should be seriously concerned with the quality of life, as we are with the sanctity of life. Consequently, we should be as careful in our provisions as we are loud in our proclamations. In calling for reforms on abortion, the Christian Church must accept the social responsibility that such reforms demand. In doing so, we are teaching and preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as practicing it. The Bible exhorts us: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
The power of witnessing
The Christian Church also needs to share the power of a loving, living Christ with those who are caught in this dilemma. Evangelism is wholly supernatural. It is not only the sharing of a message but also the imparting of supernatural power. In giving our message on abortion we should also seek to equip people with Divine ability both to accept and practice our position. When people see Christ as the hope of every life, when they know that they can apply His abundant Grace and miracle-working power to every situation and when they submit personally to His Lordship, life takes on the full meaning and real purpose that God intends.
Forgiveness is possible
Those who have already experienced an abortion or abortions and who are experiencing a sense of guilt must understand that their action cannot be reversed and they must, therefore, not dwell unnecessarily on it. They can now only deal with the consequences. There is forgiveness in Christ for every sin:
….. Christ died for our sins . . . (1 Corinthians 15:3).
Come now, and let us reason together saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).
He that covereth his sins shall not propser: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Remember too, that some of the most effective witnesses God is using in our day to save the lives of the unborn, are those who once had abortions or who assisted in performing them, but later received God’s forgiveness. Having previously erred on this issue does not disqualify one from speaking to it, once one has repented and is forgiven. In this matter, ours is the God of a second chance. In Him, we can begin anew. “God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34), “ . . . what He has done for others He will do for you.”
Abortion on demand, a “No, No”
If abortion on demand becomes enshrined in Law in Trinidad & Tobago, this will fit into the text: “they framed mischief by law” (Psalm 94:20, KJV). The word “mischief” carries the ideas of wickedness, perverseness, and sorrow. The Psalmist further says: “They gather themselves against the soul of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood” (v. 21.) The idea expressed is the most innocent and most upright in society, suffer and die because of their wickedness.
The Law- Makers must remember that abortion hardens the heart of the Nation. God has put a conscience within every person. When we ignore this voice that speaks to us and we keep violating its message, it becomes easier for us to do what we know to be wrong. I think of the story of
. . . the unnamed doctor who shared on a radio show that after he performed his first abortion, he became so violently ill, that he thought he would die. He went through weeks of depression and thought of suicide. He said, ‘The first time I felt like it was murder, but I did again and again and again, and now 20 years later I am facing what happened to me as a doctor as a human being. Sure I got hard. Sure, the money was important. And, oh, it was an easy thing, once I had taken this step to see these women as animals and these babies as just tissue.’
Abortion, the shedding of innocent blood, ushers in God’s wrath on the Nation. 2 Kings 24:4, tells us that God will not pardon the shedding of innocent blood:
Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and the Lord was not willing to forgive (2 Kings 24:3-4).
Psalms 106:38-40, shows that we have sacrificed our children to idols: the idol of self, the idol of convenience, and the idol of sexual pleasure:
They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.
They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves.
Therefore the Lord was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance.
My opinion is that many Trinbagonians do not feel as strongly about the issue of abortion as they ought to and certainly not as expressive on the issue as they should. Many know it is wrong, but because it has gone on for so long, they have become hardened to its gruesome and brutal reality. May we all open our hearts afresh to God’s mind on this delicate matter and may He be merciful to us all!
