Taylor was pregnant at seventeen and still in high school. Her best friend told her, “You better not get an abortion!” Her boyfriend said, “If you keep it, we’re done.”
Her parents threatened her, too: if she ever got pregnant, they’d kick her out and cut off her college money.
So many voices shouted at Taylor that she didn’t know what to do. She was strongly inclined to pursue abortion.
Brandy was only a junior in high school when she got involved with a boy her parents didn’t approve of. Her pregnancy threatened to interrupt her schooling and end her cheerleading. Brandy felt she should probably have an abortion.
Amanda and Ryan were afraid. If her parents found out she was pregnant, they’d “kill her.” A high-school senior, Amanda planned to attend college. She and Ryan felt it wasn’t the right time for a pregnancy.
They planned to keep it secret and have an abortion.
Courtney’s boyfriend broke up with her. She wanted to go back to college and was fearful of disappointing her parents. She also had to continue working. Courtney felt she needed to “take care of the problem.”
In all these scenarios, fear played a major role—fear of the future, of financial hardship, of interrupted hopes and broken dreams, of angry parents and ruined relationships. Yet in all four cases, the young mothers chose to carry their babies, and none of their fears materialized.
Taylor’s ex-boyfriend dotes on his little girl. Her mom is a devoted grandma. And Taylor is working on her bachelor’s degree, a confident young woman who has learned how to speak for herself.
Brandy decided to place her son for adoption. She continued high school, and her little boy’s adoptive parents attended her cheerleading events.
Amanda and Ryan married, and both have good jobs. Amanda’s parents support the marriage wholeheartedly and thoroughly enjoy their granddaughter.
Courtney says her daughter is the best thing that ever happened to her, and she can’t imagine a life without her. Her parents help her a great deal, and she’s able to work as well as attend college again.
God always refers to a child as a blessing—no exceptions. Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.”
Children are a benefit. They are a source of joy and strength. Contrary to what fear would say—and what abortion advocates claim—this holds true even when a pregnancy is unexpected.
Years ago, we were acquainted with a couple at our church who had twelve adult children (and many grandchildren). Despite the fact that the family lived a very humble lifestyle (as in, below the poverty line), the matriarch of this clan was outspokenly pro-life.
“Children are the hope of their parents,” she explained. “If you rob parents of their children by means of abortion, you rob them of their future hope and security.”
So true. And hope dawns for parents, not just down the road, but with the arrival of a new baby.
I’ve spoken with many young women considering abortion. I’ve talked to some who already made that tragic choice, and with others who chose life.
Here are some things I’ve never heard a woman say about abortion:
“It changed my life (for the better).”
“It put me on a good path.”
“It helped my whole family get along.”
“It made me a better person.”
“It helped me prioritize my goals.”
“Best decision ever.”
Contrary to the disingenuous message promoted by those who market abortion (a few loud voices trying to persuade the public that woman are supposedly proud and happy about their abortion decisions), the one thing I’ve heard most often from post-abortive women is,
“I did what I had to do.”
That’s best-case scenario, and it’s regretful rationalization. Not pride or gladness. Not hope or joy.
On the other hand, time and time again. I’ve heard the six above statements (and then some) from young women who chose life for their babies.
The power of a baby is remarkable.
A baby can unite a family, heal wounds, and give purpose. A baby can help a floundering young woman grow up.
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Abortion offers only false promises of relief and the illusion of control.
Babies are more than cute and cuddly. They are human beings, and as such, image-bearers of God.
Bringing an image-bearer into the world means blessing. Ending an image-bearer’s life before birth? Not so much.
When it comes to the soul, life results in more life, and death results in more death.
This is why our work is so significant.
What a joy to watch a young mother nurture the child she thought she’d be better off without. What a privilege to watch a young woman hold and love her baby, knowing she almost made a tragic decision.
What an honor to watch her receive life from the one she chose life for.
(This post is adapted from Day 32 of Unleashing Your Courageous Compassion: 40 Reflections on Rescuing the Unborn.)
