Unintended Pregnancy

According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) at least half of all American women will experience an unintended pregnancy by age 45, and, at current rates, about one third will have had an abortion. If we dig a little deeper we discover that 37% of women obtaining abortions identify as Protestant and 28% as Catholic. In other words, 65% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Christians. It appears that if Christians stop having abortions, Planned Parenthood would be facing bankruptcy. As I think about these numbers, I cannot help but wonder how effectively we as Christians are engaging the culture for Christ's sake?

Never Married, Not Cohabiting

AGI continues to report that women who have never married and are not cohabiting account for 45% of all abortions and about 61% of abortions are obtained by women who have one or more children. Could it be true that the men and women in our congregations do not care how much we preach because they cannot see how much we care? Could James 2:16 describe the Church today? In my opinion, until the quality of life for women and children is improved by the practical applications of unconditional love, many woman will continue to be attracted to the false sense of security abortion provides.

Reasons Women Give For Having An Abortion

Again, according to AGI, the reasons women give for having an abortion (i.e., deliberately terminating the life of the child they are carrying in their womb), underscore their understanding of the responsibilities of parenthood and family life. 75% of women cite concern for or responsibility to other individuals, the same women go on to say they cannot afford a child and that having a baby would interfere with work, school or the ability to care for dependents. 50% add that they do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner. Correct me if I am wrong, but are not these the kind of issues that the Body of Christ can and should solve? Is not solving these issues the point of Ephesians 4:12 and James 1:27?

Brothers, we really need to talk.