Advancing the Pro Life Movement

There is this common misconception about Christians that many people outside of the Christian square seem to often miss or overlook. That is that believers are only pro birth, and not pro life. That Christians only truly care about one thing and that is a child being born even if that means not a good life for the mother, or for the child. The reality is Christians are overwhelmingly pro life from the womb to the tomb, and much can be said about how Christians have historically and continually love and care for the vulnerable in this world. One way Christians have loved and cared for those in need is through adoption.

With the over turning of Roe v Wade it is estimated that more children are going to enter into the foster care system, and are going to need to be adopted. Adoption is needed across the board as it is estimated that over 400000 children are in foster care in the United States and are without a permanent home, and that number continues to grow.

Christians have historically been at the forefront adopting those who are without a family. According to EthicsDaily.com, 5 percent of practicing Christians in the United States have adopted, which is more than twice the number of all adults who have adopted who are not Christians. In addition, a survey showed that 38 percent of practicing Christians had seriously considered adoption, while only 26 percent of all adults had. When you see a stat like that its understandable why so many Christians have took the step to adopt, because the scriptures are full of the beautiful picture of adoption.

Adopting a child is a beautiful picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It replicates what happens when God adopts someone when they are saved. One example of this is found in Galatians 4:6-7

Galatians 4:6–7 ESV

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

When you become a believer in Jesus Christ something happens, where he causes you to no longer be a slave to sin, but a Son of God. You get to be an heir of God. What is great about adoption is those without a home and a family get the same rights as any child would.

The problem is that even though there are so many who have the desire to adopt several factors limit people from going forward in adopting those who are in need. One of the primary factors is the cost of adoption. It is estimated that any given adoption can cost between 2000 to 50000 dollars. This really limits those who want to seriously pursue adoption. However, some good news has emerged to help cut the costs down for those who adopt. Recently Julie Daniels of the Oklahoma State Senate said, “This session we passed legislation to give more financial support to those seeking private adoption by providing a 10% tax credit for adoption expenses of up to $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for those filing jointly. It might even be used to cover out-of-pocket expenses of those adopting through DHS.”

For people looking to adopt this may help them in a significant way. However, I believe as Christians we need to continue our efforts to help other’s who want to adopt. This means that we must put our money, resources, and talents into places that help those who help others adopt so we can continue to advance the pro life movement.