Is Abortion Wrong?

When Does Life Begin?

American College of Pediatricians - “ABSTRACT: The predominance of human biological research confirms that human life begins at conception—fertilization.  At fertilization, the human being emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism, a member of the species Homo sapiens, needing only the proper environment in order to grow and develop. The difference between the individual in its adult stage and in its zygotic stage is one of form, not nature. This statement focuses on the scientific evidence of when an individual human life begins.”

When Does Personhood Begin?

Five Views

Fertilization - First 24 hours

Gastrulation - Day 14

EEG pattern - 28 Weeks

Perinatal period - At birth

Gradual Acquisition - Gradually as the infant grows

Should Personhood Matter?

I would argue no. Abortion at any stage is killing human life.

When examining all arguments for abortion, one must consider that the “fetus” is equally human as the mother.

Arguments for Abortion

It is the woman’s choice because it is her body.

Abortion should be allowed in the cases of rape and/or incest.

It is better to abort a baby than to have unwanted children.

A woman should be allowed to have an abortion if the mother’s health is at risk.

How this applies to late-term abortions.

Abortions should be allowed if the child is going to be disabled.

Scriptures to Consider

Psalm 139:13-16 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Luke 1:15 “for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”

Luke 1:41 “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,”

Luke 1:44 “For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”

How Should Christians Respond to Abortion?

Fight for the unborn.

Support mothers and/or couples experiencing a crisis pregnancy.

Minister to women who have had abortions.