We are in the midst of another presidential election season. Each side is stating their positions on various political topics. If a candidate can identify the majority’s pet issues, then they greatly raise their chance of winning the election.
With the repeal of Roe v. Wade last year, the issue of abortion has remained at the forefront of our political discourse. The pro-choice side is furious at the Supreme Court ruling, and the pro-life side is perfectly content with the new status quo. But, should Christians be satisfied with the current state of abortion in America, or is there more that needs to be done? Is it enough to be “pro-life?”
Many of us may not know what the “pro-life” position actually is. In many cases, it is the abolitionist position that abortion must be banned without exception. However, the majority of pro-life politicians support exceptions for abortion in the case of rape and incest. This fact is reflected in the current abortion ban laws. Out of the forty-one states with restrictions on abortion, ten have exceptions for rape and/or incest. Four of those states allow the exception at any stage of the pregnancy. Our state of Florida allows abortion under these circumstances through 15 weeks of development. As Christians, we need to be consistent on this issue. Here are 3 reasons why rape and incest do not justify abortion.
First, the Bible teaches that it is never justified to kill an innocent human being. Proverbs 6:16-17 says, “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood…” A child in the womb, who never had the opportunity to do wrong certainly qualifies.
Second, the Bible teaches that life begins at fertilization. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you…” This fact is agreed upon by all biologists. If you google the question, you will get this one-word answer supported by numerous sources.
Third, the Bible teaches that children cannot be punished for the actions of their parents. Ezekiel 18:20 says, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father…” It is hard to imagine a worse crime that can be committed against someone than rape. That is why God condemns rapists to death (Deut. 22:25). However, this does not give us license to punish the child of a rape. In fact, the life of that child may be the very evidence needed to convict and punish the rapist.
We must demand our politicians to not just be pro-life but to abolish abortion in this country. God will not suffer a land that is polluted by innocent blood (cf. Psa. 106:37-40).