Abortion

Why do teen parents abort babies?*

Not wanting their lives changed by the birth of a baby

Will need to tell parents

Will affect college options

Not being able to afford a baby

Not feeling mature or responsible enough to raise a child

*Guttmacher Institute (thoughtco.com/why-teens-choose-abortion-3534251)

How many abortions, worldwide, this year?*

How many abortions, worldwide, today?

3,503

35,039

350,391

3,503,920

35,039,250

*as of 110117 12:09 pm (http://www.worldometers.info/abortions/)

Are there exceptions when abortion is okay?

Rape/incest etc.

Health complication of mother or unborn

Genetic DNA test shows abnormality in unborn

Definition

The termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus (merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abortion).

Is there a moral problem with abortion that occurs naturally?

Is there a moral problem with stopping the natural process within the mother’s womb?

Is there a moral problem that results in the death of the tiny human being in its development?

Abortion stops the natural process of human maturation within the mother’s uterus (or womb). The purpose of abortion is to empty the mother’s womb which results in the death of the tiny human being in its development.

Discussion Questions

How do your friends view the issue of abortion?

When does a human being begin life?

What is God’s will concerning the lives of all human beings from conception?

How does God view abortion?

First, when do you think your life began?

Matthew 1:18 ESV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

When did “the Word” become flesh? In other words, when was the divine nature of God introduced into this world?

And conception

At birth

At baptism

Is emotion, feelings, pain etc. present in an unborn child?

Luke 1:44 ESV

44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

At what stage do most abortions occur?

18 days a heartbeat can be detected.

21 days the eyes, spine and digestive system become visible.

40 days brain waves can be detected.

8 weeks the toes and fingers are formed.

18 weeks the baby can move on it’s own.

Highest number of abortions is after 13 weeks and before 39 weeks.

At what stage does God know us & plan a purpose for us?

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

What does God’s Word say about abortion?

Exodus 21:22 ESV

22 “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine.

Was there a penalty for accidentally ending a pregnancy?

Was God interested in protecting an unborn child?

What does this reveal about God’s desire to protect pre-born children?

Is our culture better or worse?

Does the commandment apply to abortion?

Exodus 20:13 ESV

13 “You shall not murder.

Definition: the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. Is

Does apply to abortion?

Mark 9:42 ESV

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

How could this amplify the “murder” commandment?

Its my body!

What is this argument all about?

Do it hold water?

Whose “workshop” is the womb?

Job 31:15 ESV

15 Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?

Who gets the credit for making children?

Is “having a baby” cut God out of the equation? ; ,

At what point do children belong to God?

How does the placenta separate the child from the mother? What would the mother’s body do to the child if the placenta was not present? Conclusion: the child is separate from the mother from conception.

Why do we not a the right to do what we want with our bodies,

Are we accountable for our actions,

Difficult Questions

In the case of rape can a baby be given up for adoption?

If the mother’s life is in danger, what would we do? Imagine this was a four year old child and a mother, whose lives were connected, what would you do?

a. Let it play out?

b. Take matters into your own hands?

c. Involve God through prayer?

What are the emotional side effects of an abortion?

Regret; Anger; Guilt; Shame; Sense of loneliness or isolation; Loss of self confidence; Insomnia or nightmares; Relationship issues; Suicidal thoughts and feelings; Eating disorders; Depression; Anxiety.

What advice would you give to someone considering an abortion?

What can I say that would move anger to love

What can I say that would move guilt to hope (look to the future)

What can I say that would move fear to faith (I will stick with you through a godly path)

Or you can try:

Murder will not make you happy

Children are a gift from God

You were made for more … to a selfless and loving

Look into the future