Sanctity of Life

The overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, thrust the topic of abortion into the center of national conversation. While often referred to as "reproductive care," there is no care in the tragic taking of a life within the womb. Each child lost to abortion represents a profound loss and a deep wound to our society.

In 1969, a woman known as "Jane Roe" sought to terminate her third pregnancy in Texas, where abortion was illegal except to save the mother's life. Roe v. Wade was the landmark legal battle that ultimately legalized abortion across the United States, even in cases where the mother's life was not at risk. This ruling opened the door to abortion being seen as a matter of convenience rather than a decision of grave consequence. Sadly, this echoes the practices of child sacrifice condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31, 2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, Jeremiah 7:31, 19:5, 32:35). The enemy of life has always sought to destroy, but it appears he has simply found new ways to disguise his tactics.

Let's examine two powerful examples from Scripture that demonstrate God's unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity of life:

• Exodus 1:15-22: Pharaoh, driven by fear and a desire to control, commanded Hebrew midwives to kill all male babies. These midwives, fearing God, refused to obey. Pharaoh then ordered all his people to drown Hebrew baby boys in the Nile River. It's important to remember that the Egyptians worshipped demonic forces, even having magicians who could replicate some of the plagues God brought upon them (Exodus 7-8). Amidst this darkness, God had a plan. He protected Moses, a child destined for greatness, even using Pharaoh's own daughter to ensure his survival. God had a plan for Moses' life, just as He has a plan for every life.

• Matthew 2:1-18: After Jesus' birth, King Herod, threatened by the news of a "King of the Jews," sought to eliminate this potential rival. He deceitfully asked the wise men to report the child's location, claiming he wanted to "worship him." Warned in a dream, the wise men did not return to Herod. Enraged, Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15). Herod, influenced by evil forces, committed an atrocity against the very people he was supposed to protect. Yet, God had a plan for Jesus. He protected Mary, Joseph, and the child, leading them to safety in Egypt. God had a plan for Jesus' life, a plan that would bring salvation to the world.

Twice the enemy tried to destroy God's chosen ones—Moses and Jesus—after they were born, and twice he failed. Now, it seems he has changed his strategy, attacking life within the womb. Abortion is not simply a matter of personal choice; it is the taking of an innocent life. The "my body, my choice" movement, while advocating for autonomy, disregards the inherent value of the unborn child. It's a perspective that can blind us to our dependence on God's grace and the sacredness of all life.

Every abortion grieves the heart of God. In 2020 alone, over 930,000 babies were lost to abortion in the United States.¹  While we mourn this loss, we can take comfort that God, in His mercy, welcomes these innocent lives into His presence. Psalm 82:3-4 calls us to "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked."  

The Church has a responsibility to stand for the unborn, to be a voice for the voiceless.  Proverbs 31:8-9 urges us to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy."  

Let us rise to this challenge. Let us speak out against the injustice of abortion, offer compassion and support to women facing difficult choices, and work towards a culture that values every human life. Let us pray for our nation and its leaders, that their eyes may be opened to the truth, and that they may enact laws that protect the most vulnerable among us. The enemy's time is short, and the time to act is now.

References

1. Number of abortions in the United States likely to be higher in 2023 than in 2020. Guttmacher Institute. (2024, July 10). https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2024/number-abortions-united-states-likely-be-higher-2023-2020