When a woman is facing an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, there is a very real culture of death that sits at the ready to speak fear and despair into her situation. Like vultures prepared to devour her, the powers of Hell gawk and squawk as she stumbles through her crisis. Everywhere she looks, there is darkness and tragedy. They almost hiss words like “empowered” and “freedom” as they try to contain their hideous laughter, knowing that the moment she gives into the pressures to abort her baby, they’ll be right there hurling shame and condemnation in her direction.
CareNet conducted a survey in 2015 with women who have had abortions. When asked about church attendance, nearly 40% of those surveyed revealed that they had been in church within the month of their abortion appointment. However, only 7% of women discussed their abortion decision with anyone at church. The tragedy is that we have women on our pews week after week who are leaving our churches and going to the abortion clinic. 54% of women who have had abortions claim to be Christians. That means the issue is within the church.
New Survey: Women Go Silently from Church to Abortion Clinic (care-net.org)
If a pastor does not speak clearly on the issue of abortion, that can leave a vacuum and give Satan room to work. When a woman isn’t sure how her church will respond if she finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy, Satan will fill her mind with the worst-case scenarios, fear, doubt, and an overwhelming resentment of the seemingly happy Christians who undoubtedly will gossip about her. In her desire to flee from gossip and speculation, the abortion clinic is there to offer her a “judgment-free,” “compassionate,” and “discreet” place to get rid of her problem.
Church, we cannot afford to remain silent. Abortion-vulnerable families must know how we will respond if they are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Pastors should have the support of their congregation to be able to declare, “We will walk alongside you.” And to promise, “We will not allow the body of Christ to hurt you with gossip or backbiting.” A clear statement shared regularly and posted for the congregation to hear and agree to is a simple way to communicate how a church body will respond.
Speak up and stand by your words, Church. Lives depend on it.
Newsletter Signup
Stay up-to-date with Hope House of Moultrie by subscribing to our newsletter!
