By Rachel Carrington
“Pro-life” is a controversial term among abortion advocates. Since pro-lifers advocate for the protection of human beings from the first moment of their creation, we are often called “forced birthers” or “anti-woman.” We are told we care only about babies and not about the lives and well-being of their mothers.
We disagree with these accusations and know that they are untrue, as we can point these people to the thousands of pregnancy help centers and the millions of pro-lifers who volunteer to help struggling moms.
Yet, as Christians, we should also disagree with judging those who are considering abortion or who have had an abortion. Pointing fingers at someone for their choices, no matter how we feel about them, can often be detrimental and push women away from considering alternatives to abortion.
Because we believe in the sanctity of life, we can become a light in this world and an encouragement to women who are in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy. But we can only do that by educating, offering hope, opening the doors to conversation, and understanding that panicked women often do not make rational decisions.
While we know that abortion is wrong and takes the life of a baby each time, we also know that women who seek abortions often already feel judged, especially when they see protesters outside abortion businesses with signs that call them “baby killers” and tell them they’re going to hell. These vitriolic methods just don’t work.
What can work is a calm, caring approach from a person who is willing to listen. More often than not, women who intend to abort are scared. They may not have the money to support a child, and they sometimes feel trapped. If they are teenagers, they might fear that they will be kicked out of their home. If they are in a difficult relationship, they may fear their partner will leave them. The last thing they need to see is a vitriolic sign or to hear someone condemning them.
As pro-life advocates and servants of God, we must be mindful of the approach we take when speaking out against sin. We believe that every human being matters, and that should also include the women who are pregnant and considering abortion. While holding a sign to protest the taking of an innocent life is fine, we need to examine the content of that sign and remember that aggression and pointing the finger of blame won’t help either the mother or the baby.
To read the remainder of this article, visit the Celebrate Life Magazine site at clmagazine.org/topic/pro-life-activism/changing-hearts-and-minds-how-to-reach-the-abortion-minded-mother.
To read additional pro-life articles that will educate and inspire, visit clmagazine.org.