Christianity vs Abortion – A Christian Girls’ Rendition

Monique M (Year 12)

Being a teenage girl is an unspoken difficulty that exists in the lives of young women in 21st-century society. My generation contains a vast group of girls that are told “You are important”, “always stand up for yourself”, and “You are an equal”. But what does an ‘equal’ mean nowadays? If we are being taught the concepts of feminism and gender equality, then why are we also being vilified for protecting our autonomy? Abortion is perhaps one of the most controversial topics of our time. It can be an astonishing opportunity for women, but also defies religious beliefs and potentially supports the destruction of life. Thus, I see the procedure as one that sparks debate regarding the ultimate question – is abortion ethical?  

Religion is a subtle guide to how we govern our society. It embraces ethical and moral practices communicated by religious customs, thus providing our world with a broad template of laws for governments to be guided. As a 17-year-old Christian girl who frequently serves the body of Christ, I have observed an astounding trend in my Christian friends’ opinions. Adolescent Christians tend to fall into two categories when the subject of the sanctity of existence arises: those who exhibit misdirected compassion, and those who enquire into the Bible’s concerns on the topic. To provide an improved understanding of the present obstacles in our motion, allow me to endeavour to disintegrate these groupings generically.  

Firstly, several young Christians have concerns that favour contextual tensions of an unplanned pregnancy as opposed to expressing empathy for the injustices surrounding abortion arguments. Let me be unambiguous: Christians ought to demonstrate tremendous empathy to all women who are faced with a frightful pregnancy. But unlike the rest of society, our empathy must be distinct. Women will be urged to seek abortions by the world’s benevolence so they can achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Conversely, it should also be noted that one’s personal religious beliefs should not be the defining factor referring to abortion being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. As the moral justification for opposing abortion is up to individual interpretation, it shouldn’t be prohibited by law. Those who believe abortion is ethically/religiously acceptable should be given the tools to do so, and those who do not believe in abortion should have the option not to have one. Then, a form of peace will be able to coexist between passionate Christians and fervent believers of women’s rights.  

For those who enquire into the Bible’s concerns on abortion: the unborn and abortion are both heavily discussed in the Bible. It repeatedly extols the virtues of preserving unborn children’s lives. However, in a world where 31% of the population are Christians, it is extremely difficult to argue this notion to the 69% of non-believers who potentially advocate for the opposite of God’s viewpoint. As a Christian, I have often felt hatred directed towards religious people, which I do not condone. In fact, some of the most intelligent and valued people in our society hold religious values. In contrast, as a woman, I believe that our legislation should reflect a secular society, one that is equally applicable to all citizens.  

Continuing, I believe we have to tackle several initial worries before looking more deeply at what the Bible teaches concerning abortion. While the majority of people who consider the Bible as a source of ethical guidance in this debate are Orthodox Christians and Jews, their pro-choice adversaries frequently charge them with trying to ‘force’ biblical values on individuals who reside in secular communities. Furthermore, pro-lifers are accused of ‘establishing religion’ when they apply the ethical standards of the Bible to promote legislation that forbids abortion and punishes those responsible for executing it. Essentially, they are accused of attempting to impose theocracy on the populace of a democratic, largely secular state. 

Thus, I want to encourage you to consider the outlook that society will always be divided in controversial debates – fervent Christians and passionate pro-choice individuals perhaps may never be content with each other’s opinions. However, I believe it is innocuous to state that our coming generations of women should never feel threatened by the idea that their personal autonomy may be taken away. Are personal beliefs worth more than our women?