Abortion
Understanding Abortion
Few issues in modern society have caused as much division as abortion. One side emphasizes a woman’s right to choose whether or not to give birth; the other, the unborn child’s right to life. Even among sincere Christians, there are differing views—particularly in situations involving rape, incest, or when prenatal testing reveals severe abnormalities.
The Bible, however, places the highest value on human life. Life is sacred and of inestimable worth to God, who:
  • Created us in His image (Genesis 1:26–27)
  • Sustains our lives (Job 12:10)
  • Redeemed us through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Scripture recognizes the unborn as fully human:
“You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!”
(Psalm 139:16, TLB)
Practical Ministry

As a Christian minister, you may encounter various people affected by the issue of abortion:
  • A woman considering abortion
  • A woman burdened by guilt after an abortion
  • Parents of a pregnant daughter
  • The unborn child’s father
  • Medical professionals who have participated in abortion procedures
Here’s how to minister with truth, compassion, and grace.
Ministering to a Woman Considering Abortion
  • Commend her for reaching out—it takes courage.
  • Show compassion, not judgment. Let your tone and posture reflect Christ’s love.
  • Reassure her that many resources exist to support her decision-making and healing journey. Ask if she would like information about those resources.
  • If she feels unprepared to raise a child, gently ask if she has considered adoption.
  • Encourage her to connect with the Pleasant Valley Counseling Ministry and/or Care Net Owensboro, and let her know financial help is available for counseling support.
Ministering to a Woman Who Has Had an Abortion and Feels Guilty
  • Affirm her choice to seek help. Let her know she is not alone—God cares, and so do we.
  • Avoid moralizing or minimizing her experience. Her willingness to talk about her guilt may be a sign that God is already at work in her heart.
  • Emphasize the forgiveness of God. Share how Jesus responded to the woman caught in adultery:  “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
  • If she expresses repentance, encourage her not to dwell on the past:  “…But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:13–14)
  • Ask if she has ever received Jesus Christ as her Savior. If not, and if the moment is right, introduce the gospel.
  • Pray with her—for forgiveness, healing, and hope.
  • Assure her that healing and recovery are possible.
  • Encourage her to pursue further counseling through the Pleasant Valley Counseling Ministry and/or Care Net Owensboro.
Key Scriptures
The Wonder of Life:

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward.”
(Psalm 127:3)

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit me together in my mother’s womb…. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe…”
(Psalm 139:13–16)
Forgiveness:

Read Psalm 32:1–5—written by one who was guilty of adultery and murder.

“Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
(Psalm 103:3–4, NIV)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
Courage and Strength to Carry On:

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
(Psalm 42:11, NIV)

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,  they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
(Isaiah 40:31)