Since the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion-on-demand in 1973, the pro-life movement has been fighting an up-hill battle. Attempts to implement common-sense restrictions to abortion have been challenged at the federal and state levels.
The U.S. Congress’ latest attempt to restrict abortions after 20 weeks, when science has proven the child is capable of feeling pain, was even thwarted. Yet the pro-life champions, of which Oklahoma Baptists are a key part, will not rest until the unborn are protected by law.
Along with our legal efforts, though, come our persuasive efforts. We want abortion to be not only illegal but unthinkable. In other words, we not only want to reduce the supply of abortion, we want to reduce and eliminate the demand for it. Here are some ways we can make abortion unthinkable.
/// 1) Pray
When is the last time you pleaded with God to end abortion in America? When is the last time you prayed for that mother and father who were contemplating an abortion? Many of us, when reminded on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday each January, or at the Rose Day Pro-Life Rally each February, might pause to pray. Yet we could easily go about our daily lives, ignorant and apathetic to the epic struggle for life going on every day. God is the author of life and protector of the innocent. Today, commit to pray to Him on behalf of women and unborn children. Even now, ask God to end human abortion in our day and age.
/// 2) Speak up
The effort to end taxpayer-funded abortions by redirecting funds away from Planned Parenthood is happening now. In response to outrageous videos that show Planned Parenthood is harvesting and selling body parts of aborted babies, more nationwide rallies will take place on Oct. 10 at various Planned Parenthood clinics, and information about contacting your elected officials is posted at www.bgco.org/defundpp today. Victims of abortion have lost their voice. Will you be a voice for them?
/// 3) Help
Part of making abortion unthinkable is the Church stepping up to help women and men in an unplanned pregnancy. Through the HOPE Pregnancy Ministries, Oklahoma Baptists are offering compassionate, quality care to mothers and their unborn children. Through churches becoming involved in adoption and foster care, we demonstrate love for children in need after birth. Look for ways you can help women and children, from the womb and afterwards.
/// 4) Be compassionate
Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore said, “No one is more pro-choice than the devil on the way into the abortion clinic, and no one is more pro-life than the devil on the way out of the abortion clinic.” In other words, he tempts us then condemns us. If you know someone who has had an abortion, don’t be like the devil. Instead, point them to our loving, forgiving Savior. When talking about abortion as a grave moral wrong, always point to the mercy, forgiveness and freedom found in Christ.
/// 5) Never give up
A quote attributed to Edmund Burke is, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” The enemy wants you, wants each of us, to give up this cause of the unborn. If, however, we rely on God’s grace and daily strength, we can stand firm in the fight for life and make a real difference.
As we endeavor to make abortion illegal and unthinkable, let’s do all we can, where we can, when we can, for His glory.
