Introduction

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘abortion’? A woman's right to choose? Personal autonomy and self-determination? Controversy? A pill? Or maybe something else? Abortion, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy, has been a widespread practice of humanity since ancient times. Throughout history, there has been a large variety of views, laws and practices tied to abortion, as well as considerable controversy. So it is no surprise that we see abortion practised today and a lot of controversy surrounding it.

In our own society, we have witnessed rapid societal and judicial change on this issue. Just a few decades ago, abortion was an infrequent practice, subject to many legislative conditions. Today in Australia, abortion is easily accessible in most states up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and generally accessible, subject to further conditions, thereafter. In the past few years, laws have continued to change. In 2018 Queensland passed legislation which, amongst other things, removed still-existing criminalisation laws and, in 2019, NSW passed similar legislation. Moreover, laws have even been passed to restrict opposition to abortion. It is now illegal for protestors to protest in close proximity to abortion providers in some states. Such legislative change is testament to the significant moral changes that have already taken place within Australian society.

Many questions could be asked about all this change. How does such significant moral change come about? Why do all the states have different and sometimes contradicting laws? These are interesting questions, but fundamentally the starting point for a Christian should be the question of morality and, thereafter, action and legality. Is abortion moral? Is it moral in all circumstances or only in certain circumstances? Should it be legal, and if so, under what circumstances? Should we do anything? Should we get involved or is our time better spent elsewhere? What does God have to say on this issue?

As Christians, we seek to remain faithful to God in all that we do. So for this topic of Christians Engaging Culture we are going to first seek to answer what God thinks about abortion before we look at how we might respond and interact with the wider culture.

Although not always the case, abortion can leave people with a deep sense of guilt and regret that eats away at them and may last many years after the event. As we talk to people on this issue we ought to be mindful that the person we are talking to may have personal sensitivities to this topic. We ought therefore to engage in a manner that is gentle, compassionate and respectful. However more importantly, we should seek to share the hope and forgiveness found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message that can truly offer hope, forgiveness, healing and ultimately, salvation to the sinner.

Some Brief Statistics

In Australia there are no nationwide abortion statistics. Only South and Western Australia record the number of abortions performed each year. The latest published statistics in South Australia recorded 4,349 abortions in 2017. South Australia had a population of around 1.71 million at the time. Assuming the rate of abortions is similar across the country, this would equate to around 65,000 abortions annually in Australia. Other estimates have placed the number of abortions closer to 73,000 annually.

These numbers are high, but are just a small fraction of those performed worldwide. The 2018 winter issue of the OG magazine by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) estimated that number of abortions performed globally to be between 40-50 million per year.

Resources Provided

The material provided on this webpage is a collection of different resources freely available on the web. These resources have been selected to address different facets and concerns around this topic. There are links to resources that provide hard medical facts, others explore biblical morality, others engage with the public and seek to turn conversations to the gospel.

What does Abortion Mean at Different Stages of Pregnancy?

This series of four animated videos describe how a pregnancy is terminated and a child aborted during different stages of pregnancy. The videos are narrated by Dr Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist.

The numbers are significant, In 2017:

• 2425 Suction or Aspiration Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) abortion were completed in South Australia alone. Assuming equivalent rates across all states, this would equate to approximate 36,100 D&C abortion procedures annually in Australia in 2020,

• 1522 abortions were medically induced in South Australia alone. Assuming equivalent rates across all states, this would equate to approximately 22,700 abortions by pill annually in Australia in 2020,

• 369 D&E abortions were completed in South Australia alone. Assuming equivalent rates across all states, this would equate to approximate 5500 D&E abortion procedures annually in Australia in 2020,

• Induction Abortion. We do not have any statistics as to the prevalence of this procedure in Australia, but it is used overseas.

WARNING: Viewer caution is advised as these videos are graphic animations and can be hard and distressing to watch.

TWO WAYS TO TURN DISCUSSION TO THE GOSPEL

Many people who have been involved with an abortion feel a sense of guilt or/and regret. These feelings are common to all humans as they stem from the conscience God placed in all of us. We all feel regret or shame over something we have done, or failed to do. God meant for these feelings to lead us to seek healing and forgiveness which only he can fully provide. God wants all mankind to turn to Him and find healing and forgiveness for all sins, not just abortion.

Abortion is the deliberate killing of an unborn human being. God calls this murder and he has said that people who do such things will be judged and ultimately condemned on the last day. However, he also wishes to show his mercy and desires for all people to repent and be saved. Therefore he provided a way out for all people who choose to repent and trust in the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, on the cross (1 Timothy 1:15). Indeed, we have all fallen short of God’s standards and need God’s gift of salvation.

GROUP OR PERSONAL REFLECTION

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How should a Christian respond to a woman who has had, or is considering an abortion under difficult circumstances? Maybe she has no income and no family to support her. Maybe she was raped.

2. How can Christians show God's love to those who suffer guilt, loss or shame from an abortion

3. What would you say to someone who believes that to be against abortion is to be anti-woman?

4. Do men have a responsibility when it comes to abortion or is it only a women’s issue?

5. If a baby is going to be born with a congenital problem leading to either a life-long disability or early death, then isn’t abortion an act of mercy?

6. Are there any circumstances where Christians should support abortion?

7. Is Molek alive and well today? Who is he and what does he look like?

DIGGING DEEPER

This page was posted on: 19/09/2020