Abortion

In the last half of the 20th century, abortion laws were liberalized with the passage of the Roe v. Wade
decision bythe United States Supreme Court. This opened the door to new perspectives on abortion
and women’s rights.

The biblical witness concerning abortion is that human life is sacred because each person is made in
the image ofGod (Gen. 1:27, Jas. 3:9, Ps. 8:4-5). Moreover, Jesus always sided with healing and
preservation of life. While the Old Testament does not directly refer to abortion, it condemns child
sacrifice (Lev. 20:2-5). The Mosaic law also describes a pregnant woman being injured so that she
miscarries, representing the miscarriage as a loss to the family that entitles them to compensation. In
several passages, writers acknowledge that even in their mother’s wombGod knew and cared for
them (Job 10:8-12; Ps. 51:5-6; 139:13-16; Jer. 1:4-5). In the New Testament, John the Baptist leaped
in his mother’s womb in the presence of Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus (Luke 1:41). Clearly the
Bible places value upon the developing child before birth. This principle has implications for
abortion.

When not personally facing an unwanted pregnancy, it is easy to say no to abortion as a method of
birth control.Nevertheless, there are situations that make the abortion decision more difficult —
pregnancies that result from rape or incest or that would seriously threaten the health of the
mother. Moreover, if the Church is to say no to abortion, it needs to address situations where
abortion seems like a viable option. This proactive work includes:

1. Giving value to each living individual. When a person looks for affirmation, acceptance, or
   intimacy, one ofthe activities to which a person can turn is a sexual relationship. Such a
   relationship is not for the procreation of a new life but an affirmation of present life. A
   pregnancy in such a circumstance may be seen as a liability. The Christian community should
   recognize that the need for self-affirmation can lead to sexual activity.
2. Upholding the biblical teaching on premarital chastity and marital fidelity. Sexual intercourse
   signifies union in a covenant of marriage (1 Cor. 6:12-20). Commitment to this standard
   lessens the likelihood thatabortion will be considered a necessary option.
3. Providing emotional, social, and financial support for bringing the fetus to full-term birth.
   Abortion may seem like the only option for persons who are financially destitute or socially
   abandoned. The Church mustbe committed to stand long term with those who face the hard
   realities of bringing a child into the world indifficult and unhappy circumstances.
4. Working with and supporting parachurch organizations, such as crisis pregnancy centers,
   adoption agencies,and other organizations that actively support sanctity of human life.
5. Adopting children who need a home.

We oppose the practice of abortion and affirm the sanctity of human life from conception to death. Our pro-life position takes a stand against war and capital punishment as well as abortion.

Published by Brethren in Christ U.S., 2017 Edition