Abortion is an issue that many would like to leave untouched. When

discussing this type of issue the lines are not always clearly drawn for

everyone. Most of the time, the two sides agree to disagree because this

issue is something that affects many people. Abortions leave physical,

emotional, and spiritual scars. Because this issue is not limited to one group

of people, it is something we all should think about and scrutinize very

carefully because decisions like these can affect us for a lifetime. Perhaps a

person may know of a situation where a baby was aborted or where it was at

least considered. Ultimately, those who are Christians and are considering an

abortion are faced with many questions regarding the spiritual effects.

When the term abortion was first used it often described a

spontaneous act, which we would now call a miscarriage. Abortions today

involve taking the life of the innocent. Both sides agree, says a pamphlet

published by the commitee for Pro-Life Activities, that this unborn substance

is human in origin, destiny, and make-up; this newly conceived child is one of

us (Ab.Q&A, p.1). The point of when the unborn actually becomes a baby is

debatable. Abortionists refer to the unborn as a fetus, nothing more than a

bunch of tissue. Christians know that this wonderful miracle of God is a

baby. Human life comes into being at the moment of conception, and from

that moment of conception on, each new human being obtains all that is

internally needed to develop and grow into a mature adult.

Because abortionist believe that the fetus is only tissue, they claim it is

not painful to the fetus. But, it has been found that between nine and thirteen

and a half weeks, the structures of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to the

skin necessary to feel pain are already developed and functioning. Therefore,

we can say with a reasonable medical certainty that an unborn child can

actually sense pain by at least thirteen and a half weeks. Thus, abortion is a

painful experience and certainly an inhumane death for this little one (Na,Np).

Abortion became legalized in the famous Supreme Court case of Roe

vs. Wade. It was settled in 1973 case of Doe vs. Bolton that an abortion may

also occur at anytime during the pregnancy, even up to the moment of birth.

No there are many forms of abortion available in the US today. A Knights of

Columbus pamphlet, Five Ways To Kill An Unborn Child, lists five main

types of abortions practiced.

The first type of abortion is suction. An doctor usually performs

this only on women in the early stages of pregnancy. A long tube, connected

to a very strong vacuum, is inserted into the womb. Once the vacuum is

turned on the baby is broken up into tiny fragments immediately. Once

broken up into a fluid, it is sucked through the tube and inserted into a bottle.

If this procedure is done after the baby has developed her sense of pain, she

actually does feel the abortion during the last few moments she is allowed to

live (KofC p.1).

The second type of abortion is cutting and scraping. A doctor will

stretch or dilate the womb enough for him to reach inside. Once he is able to

reach the baby, he uses a sharp medical tool to cut the baby into small pieces

until he can easily scrape the pieces of the baby s body out. Often the doctor

crushes the skull letting the brain matter ooze out so the skull is more

convenient to pull out. Because this procedure involves many cuts and takes

longer than suction, it is longer and more painful for the baby. Her

appendages are likely to be severed first before any other part of the body

that would cause immediate death (KofC p.1).

The third type of abortion is one of induction. Mothers are prematurely

given a Ceasarean section. The baby is pulled out of the womb just like a

birth at a hospital. But, in this situation, it is not cared for. Many times it is

placed in a bed pan and left to die (KofC p.1). As described in Abortion: the

hard cases, this is an unusually cruel abortion simply because when the baby

is taken out it is not always dead. Today, there are many people who were

thought to be aborted. In the mid-Seventies, an aborted baby was left in a

bed pan, the nursing supervisor found it nearly and hour later and realized it

was alive. This baby was slightly over a pound and with amazing treatment

and care she was adopted. In the last report about her it said, She was 6

years old, riding a bicycle and playing a little piano. (Ab.Q&A p.4)

The fourth type of abortion is saline. A doctor inserts a needle that

contains a strong saline solution into the womb. Because this is so strong, it

almost instantly kills the child, but with this type of abortion there are

exceptions (KofC p. 1). In five-week period, the Wilmington Medical Center

had rather shocking occurrence. In the spring of 1979, two babies were born

alive after a saline abortion. A nurse at the center found one was struggling

to breathe and had a faint, tiny heartbeat after being put in a specimen jar.

The other baby was breathing during delivery and was helped immediately.

Again with special medical attention and care, these babies were adopted

(Na, Np).

The last type of abortion is partial birth. Partial birth abortion is most

popular during the last few months of pregnancy. The doctor induces labor.

He pulls the baby out by her legs until the body is completely out and all that

is left in the mother is the head. At this point the baby is more than half way

done with natural labor, just like any other wanted baby. But, a partially

aborted baby is not so fortunate. Scissors are taken and shoved into the

baby s skull, making an opening big enough for a tube to be inserted. Once

the tube is inserted, the brains are sucked out leaving the baby lifeless and the

baby s body is then pulled out (KofC p.1).

The Abortion procedure effects a woman mentally. Psychologists have

found that abortion leaves psychological scars for life (Na,Np). Mothers are

plagued with many questions. Often they may think, If abortion is so right,

why do I feel so awful? (NRL p.1) It also has unpredictable physical results.

After a few months, mothers can feel the baby growing inside them. Perhaps

they have felt that little kick, and experienced a brief moment of joy, but now,

they are left with the fact there will never be that kick from their precious

child again. Many women make it through the procedure fine, but often times

they are left with the longing for what was once within them. Other mothers

are not so lucky. Some mothers, in several cases, have died from

hemorrhaging and infection at abortion clinics. Others have had their uteruses

perforated making it necessary to remove of the uterus in order for the woman

to survive (Na, Np). Abortion also has spiritual effects on the mother.

In What Does God Say About Abortion, Focus on the Family does a

exceptional job in answering questions many women that are concerned with

spiritual realm of abortion often face. God reveals His answers to us in the

Bible. Why should we value life? , asks Focus on the Family. For by Him

all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been

created by Him and for Him. -Colossians 1:16 (NAS). Life is valuable;

because we are created in God s image he obviously cares about every

person including the unborn (FOF p.3). Almost every dying person would

give all their earthly possessions just to be alive for only a few minutes

longer.

Focus on the Family suggests one should ask, Who is the creator of

the preborn? Most people in favor of abortion refer to the unborn as just a

fetus; that it is no more than a bunch of tissue. Of course the baby is tissue; it

is human just like any other person. The Bible even refers to an unborn child

as a person. For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my

mother s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was

not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the

lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as

yet there were none of them. -Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJ) (FOF p.4). God is

present from the moment we are conceived, he formed our inward parts.

How is God concerned with the preborn? , asks Focus on the Family.

God mentions preborn several times in the Bible. Before I formed you in the

womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a

prophet to the nations. -Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJ). He knew us before we were

born. He thought of us and devised a divine plan for us before He even

created the earth. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and

had called me through his grace,... - Galatians 1:15 (RSV) (FOF p.5).

Melody Green asks three valid questions, 1. Just how perfect must

one be before he is allowed to live? 2. Who will have the power to make

these decisions? 3. Does anyone have the right to play God? It is not our

duty to play God . He is the one who is responsible for life and death.

The Lord brings death and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and

raises up. -I Samuel 2:6 (NIV). No matter what the circumstances are, it is

God s responsibility to choose whether the preborn should live. I call

heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life

and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy

seed may live... -Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV) (FOF p.6). There is an

appointed time for all of us to die, but God tells us to choose life, because if

we do not, we may be cursed.

Focus on the Family raises the disputed question, Is man permitted to

take life before birth? (FOF p.5) Thus says the Lord: For three

transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away its

punishment, Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead...

-Amos 1:13. When abortionists perform these procedures they are doing just

like the children of Ammon; they rip open the women with children. Even

so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little

ones should perish. -Matthew 18:14 (NKJ). Abortion clearly goes against

the will of God; He warns us not to do harm against children because they are

His. Never despise one of these little ones; I tell you, they have their

guardian angels in heaven, who look continually on the face of my heavenly

Father. -Matthew 18:10 (NEB) (FOF p.5).

Rape and incest are issues that abortionists use to justify abortion.

Carrying a child that was produced from rape or incest would be quite a

heartache for a mother. She has to live with a baby that was not planned for

or even wanted with a person that forced himself upon her. This burden not

only plagues the mother, but is passed onto the child. From the moment when

she hears she is pregnant to the time she delivers, she has a feeling of dread

and sometimes even a feeling of shame.

Abortion: The Hard Cases addresses the issues of rape and incest. In

reality, it is extremely rare to conceive from rape. There is a 0%-2.2%

chance of being impregnated, many factors affect this. The occurrence of

conception from one act of unprotected intercourse is only 2%-4%. The

trauma that is involved with rape inhibits ovulation. Lastly, most of the

women who are raped reportedly were sexually dysfunctional. Because there

now are improved treatments for incest and more programs are successful in

ending these immoral relationships, pregnancy is not occurring as much.

Now, incest is not a major percentage in aborted babies (AHC p.1-2).

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put

to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.

-Deutoronomy 24:16 (NKJ). God does has a divine plan for everyone, even

children brought into this world produced by rape or incest. For all things

work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called

according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28 (NAS). We should love the unborn

no matter the circumstances. Thank God at all times for everything, in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:20 (PME) (FOF p. 6).

When it is believed that a baby will have birth defects or retardation,

many would say it would be better if the baby was aborted. Many say the

quality of life would be lacking, but just because they are handicapped in

some areas does not mean they can not enjoy others. Their lives may not be

the same as ours, but they still value their lives. Often times the diagnosis for

these cases end up not being true. In The Questions Most People Ask About

Abortion, Linda Serrano gives her account of doctor suggested to her that

she get an abortion. She had contracted the German measles while she was

pregnant. Contrary to her doctor, she decided to continue carrying the baby.

She knew there was a large risk for her baby to be retarded or deformed. She

ended up delivering a healthy baby girl (QPA p.2)

If there is a possibility of deformation or retardation, babies should not

be aborted. They are still human beings. If a woman just delivered a child

and it came out deformed or retarded do we kill it on the delivery table?(QPA

p.1) Well, than what justifies our actions of doing the same act, only in the

womb. This the Lord says-the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:

concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me

orders about the work of my hands? -Isaiah:45:11 (NIV) (FOF p. 7). God

creates each person special and unique. Sometimes he chooses people to be

deformed or retarded, but who are we to question his ways. On the

contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded

will not say to the molder, Why did you make me like this?, will it? Or

does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump

one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use? -Romans

9:20-21 (NAS) (FOF p. 7).

Many believe that if a mother s life is threatened, abortion is okay.

Too often we hastily forget God is in control and He will take care of it. 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. -Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV). Let

no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. -I Corinthians 10:24

(NAS) (FOF p. 7). In many cases when doctor is concerned with a woman s

health, the situation is all right.

Abortionists believe the woman has a right to control her life and her

body. This is true because she had the right to have intercourse and conceive

a child; but, one must consider her body is no longer her own, she is sharing it

with another human being. When she makes a decision about her body and

her life, it effects the unborn baby s body and life. Too many times an unborn

child is considered a burden rather than a blessing; this is the reason that

many women have abortions. Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the

fruit of the womb is a reward. -Psalm 127:3 (AS) (FOF p. 8).

Many feel that abortions are the solution to crisis pregnancies. When a

young woman conceives it is often viewed as ruining her life and future.

Many also believe that unwanted children have a poor quality of life and

often end up being abused. But the majority of abused children actually come

from planned pregnancies. Two wrongs never make a right. Because the

pregnancy is an inconvenience , does not lessen the pain for the mother.

Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son

of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. -Isaiah 49:15

(NAS) (FOF p. 9).

A woman who is pregnant obviously plays a part in her pregnancy. If

feels she is responsible enough to have sex, then she should be ready for the

responsibilities that go along with it. There is a way that seems right to a

man, but its end is the way of death. -Proverbs 14:12 (NKJ) (FOF p. 8).

God does forgive those who have had abortions. If we confess our

sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness. -I John 1:9 (NKJ). No matter what the sin, God will

forgive us and forget, but we are left with the consequences and the memory

of our sin (FOF p.9).

God does not favor those who perform abortions. Cursed be he that

taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say,

Amen. -Deuteronomy 27:25 (KJV). Hospitals regard these aborted babies

as medical waste and they are disposed of by incineration or in the garbage.

But, sometimes the organs and tissues are actually sold. The Department of

Pathology at the District of Columbia General Hospital earned more than

$68,000 from commercial firms for organs of the stillborn and dead premature

babies. Fetal materials have value. This is a disgusting practice of

abortionists. Not only do they take money for shedding innocent blood, but

turn around and gain more money for selling the unborn. But your eyes and

your heart are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, and on shedding an

innocent blood and on practicing oppression and extortion. -Jeremiah 22:17

(NAS). One day abortionist and women who have had abortions must give

an account. -Hebrews 4:13 (NIV) (FOF p.10).

Christians have a responsibility under God, not only to the mother in

crisis, but also to the preborn. We should be an example of God s

forgiveness and love. Let your light shine before men in such a way that

they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

-Matthew 5:16 (NAS) (FOF p. 11). We should also share what God s word

says about abortion and encourage them to make the right choice.

Fathers are often to almost always left out of the decision concerning

abortion. They may feel guilty and helpless. There are alternatives to

abortion such as adoption. But, ultimately it is a decision of the mother that is

between her and God. An even easier solution to the growing epidemic of

abortion is simply to be responsible sexually. Another good practice is

abstinance. If one remains pure until marriage one will not be faced with this

issue.

Works Cited

1. Committee for Pro-Life Activities. Abortion: Questions and Answers.

National Conference for Catholic Bishops, Office of Publishing and

Promotion Services. 1938.

2. Green, Melody. The Questions Most People Ask About Abortion. Pretty

Good Printing, 1983.

3. N.A. Five Ways To Kill an Unborn Child. N.p..:n.p., 1985.

4. N.A. Abortion: The Hard Cases. N.p.:n.p., 1987.

5. N.A. Test Your Knowledge on Abortion. N.p.:n.p., 1983.

6. N.A. Post-Abortion Syndrome. N.p.:n.p., 1987.