Making Abortion Unthinkable | Aimee's Post-Roe Response
Updated: Jul 28, 2022
Almost 50 years. Abortion has been legal in this country for almost 50 years. 63 million lives have legally ended, and 126 million moms and dads have had to deal with possible emotional and physical consequences.
There is no question that abortion must end, but I have to ask…will making abortion illegal end abortion? I don’t think it will. Abortions in various, unsafe and in some horrific ways, have been around since the beginning of time. When people find themselves in terrifying situations, they will go to desperate lengths to get themselves out of it. Even if those desperate lengths are dangerous and life threatening.
We have seen the images of people marching, holding signs and yelling about the right to choose, or the right to life. Or perhaps, and this is probably more likely, we have observed the back and forth of debating between pro-life and pro-choice individuals in the news and on social media. Most likely, the communicating out of opinions-especially between these two camps-is delivered in less than loving ways.
And when opinions are expressed in less-than loving ways…does it change minds? And when minds are closed to other people's opinions, which are formed by personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, does that change minds? I don’t think so.
My biggest concern for what we have going on now doesn't really have to do with whether Roe v. Wade is overturned or not, because the truth is, laws won’t end abortion.
However…Heart change can end abortion.
We, as followers of Jesus, have the opportunity and the potential to live out His love to those we disagree with. This includes…
Women and men who have made the choice to have sex outside of marriage that results in a child being conceived.
Women who choose to remain pregnant but not stay in a relationship with the father of the baby when she realizes that he is a drug addict or abusive.
Those who believe in a woman’s choice because they fear for the woman’s life if she seeks an unsafe, illegal abortion.
Those who fight for supporting moms that are single in providing quality childcare, support groups, and short-term assistance as needed.
And, if we are being totally honest, those who don’t believe life has value the very moment conception happens.
In her article, titled, “Five Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With”, Melanie Campbell lists the following 5 ways:
Listen…this involves listening to “understand the heart of the person beyond the opinion” understand that their opinion has been formed by their own experiences, feelings and beliefs. James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” Proverbs 18:13 “To answer before listening-that is folly and shame.”
Be Humble…we have to be willing to learn from those we disagree with, and to show respect for them. Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Lament with the brokenhearted…while pro-life views are very different from pro-choice, we have to understand and accept that on some levels, their opinions stem from brokenheartedness.
Pray…”Praying for those we disagree with-including those who have hurled insults at us or who are so far from our point of view it feels like they live on a different planet-is what we are commanded to do.”
Rejoice in the truth…she concludes with “We can’t control how another person responds to us-we can only control how we treat them” Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you”
When we actively show love to people who we disagree with, we are planting seeds of heart change. When hearts change, minds open, truth is revealed and real…life saving and life valuing change happens.
I want to close with this quote I read in a Bible study I am doing on the spiritual disciplines, because I think it sums up what I am trying to communicate to you. More than anything, more than sides being heard and laws changing, we want people to know Jesus in a life-transforming, life-saving way. This is meant to be an encouragement, as well as a charge, to you.
“We follow Christ’s example by living a compelling life—a life that represents the good news of Christ. A life that loves, serves, gives, sacrifices, hopes, rejoices, mourns, and cares. A life that gives Jesus to people. When you live this way, people will want to know the One you follow. “