For the Christian in South Africa today, abortion is a crucial issue. As a result of abortion on demand being legalised on 1 February 1997, over eighty unborn children have been killed every day. The Church cannot be silent. God has commanded us to ‘speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves’ Prov 31:8. This includes unborn children.
What gives our lives value?
The Bible teaches that God created every person in His image. Human life is sacred:
‘So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.’ Genesis 1:27
We are all valuable. Not because other people value us, but because God does, and we are created in his image. God values every one and we should therefore never see anyone as ‘unwanted’.
Are unborn children people?
The Bible speaks about unborn children as being people, just like us, who God cares about.
‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’ Psalm 139:13-16
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.’ Jer 1:5
David realised that he was a human from the moment he was conceived. ‘Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.’ Psalm 51:5
‘This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb … ‘ Isaiah 44:24
John the Baptist was spiritually aware while he was still in the womb. He responded to the presence of Jesus who was also still in His mothers womb.
‘When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”‘ Luke 1:41-44.
What does God say about the shedding of innocent blood?
‘Whoever sheds the blood of a man, by man will his blood be shed, for in the image of God has God made man.’ Genesis 9:6
‘You shall not murder.’ Exodus 20:13
‘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.’ Psalm 106:38
While some choose abortion out of ignorance or are pressured into it by others, ‘free choice’, ‘materialism’ and ‘population control’ are often idols to which children are sacrificed.
Can God forgive someone who has had an abortion?
‘I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions … and remembers your sins no more.’ Isaiah 43:25
‘All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ Acts 10:43
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9
What happens in an abortion?
Pro-abortionists say that abortion is just the removal of tissue. That is untrue. Children who are aborted have beating hearts and active brain waves.
Like newborns, unborn children feel pain. They react to the presence of the abortionist’s instruments. Early abortions are done by ripping the child apart with a powerful vacuum. Later abortions are performed by cutting the child into pieces in the womb or causing an early birth and leaving the child to die.
What should we do?
We must PRAY for God’s forgiveness on our nation for allowing the killings and His help to amend our law and Bill of Rights. We must pray for unity and no compromise in the church against abortion. Pray for doctors, nurses, political leaders and lawyers who oppose abortion.
Remember ours is a spiritual battle.
‘For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ Ephesians 6:12
‘Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children…’ Lam 2:19
‘I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority…’ 1 Tim 2:1-2
We must SUPPORT single parents and women facing crisis pregnancies. Support your local pregnancy centre or start one in your area. These centres give mothers pregnancy tests, counselling, post-abortion counselling and material help where possible. School programs teach young people about abortion and positive alternatives. Unwanted children and mothers in need are like orphans and widows, who we must help:
‘Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.’ James 1:27
We must SPEAK out to society. You can do this by joining and participating in Students for Life society.
UCT Students for Life 