Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Support independent, faith-based journalism. Donate
Search Search this site

Can Christians come together to reduce the need for abortion?

OpinionSusan M. Shaw, Senior Columnist  |  February 15, 2019

In the current political moment, abortion remains a divisive issue, highlighted by the varied and visceral responses to New York’s new abortion access law and President Trump’s comments about abortion in the State of the Union address. The tactics and visibility of the Christian Right seem to suggest Christians share an anti-choice position on abortion, but that’s not true. Even Southern Baptists in the 1970s chose a “middle ground” between abortion on demand and no access to abortion. Of course, that stance quickly changed with the beginnings of the controversy between fundamentalist and moderate Southern Baptists, and by 1980 the SBC passed resolutions opposing abortion “except to save the life of the mother.” Today many Christians support a woman’s right to access an entire range of reproductive health services, including abortion. Others oppose access to abortion entirely, while still others support access in limited circumstances.

Nonetheless, whether Christians support or oppose abortion access, Christians from all sides of the complicated debate should be able to come together to work on a common goal of reducing the need for abortion. That common goal could address both the concern on the Right that fewer abortions occur and the concern on the Left that women are able to make medical choices for themselves.

“Working together across differences, Christians could actually have an effective response to unintended pregnancy and abortion.”

While some Christians want to make all abortions illegal, we know this would not end abortions. When women do not have access to safe, legal abortions, they have backroom abortions that often end with women permanently injured or dead. Rather than clinging to a philosophical position that may sound pure, yet not result in ending abortions, all Christians could work together to take evidence-based actions that we know lessen the need for abortion.

Working together across differences, Christians could actually make a difference in responding to unintended pregnancy and abortion. A starting point would be to acknowledge and support four effective approaches already identified by research:

1. Legal abortion. While not statistically significant, abortion rates are actually slightly lower in countries that have legal abortion, and research suggests laws restricting abortion do not lower abortion rates. In countries that prohibit abortion or allow it only in rare circumstances, the abortion rate is 37 per 1,000 women. In countries that allow abortion on demand, the rate is 34 per 1,000.

Having an abortion where it is legal is also immensely safer for women. Nearly 23,000 women die each year from unsafe abortions. In the United States, the abortion rate is at its lowest since Roe v. Wade at 14.6 per 1,000 women.

2. Access to contraception. The drop in abortion rates in the U.S. is mostly a result of access to contraception, not legal restrictions on abortions enacted by various states. Fewer unintended pregnancies lead to fewer abortions, and access to contraceptives leads to fewer unintended pregnancies. If Christians are serious about wanting to decrease the number of abortions, then they should be vocal advocates for access to contraception. Research shows that even a small increase in use of contraception can decrease unintended pregnancies and abortions and that access to free birth control increases usage and lowers abortion rates among teenagers.

3. Accurate, comprehensive sex education. Of course, people only know about contraception and its proper use if they have access to accurate, fact-based sex education. Time and time again, researchers have shown that abstinence-only education is not effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, and in fact harms teens by stigmatizing groups, reinforcing gender norms and withholding accurate medical information. Interestingly, teen birth rates in very religious states are higher than in less religious states. Comprehensive sex education, however, does lead to fewer unintended pregnancies.

4. Empowerment of girls and women. Decisions about contraception, pregnancy and abortion occur within larger contexts of gendered social constraints. Empowering girls and women creates social and economic conditions that give them greater control over their own bodies and sexuality and greater economic security in which to access contraceptives and make decisions about bearing children. Empowered girls and women are less likely to face unintended pregnancies.

More than 40 percent of women who have abortions fall below the federal poverty level. Another 27 percent are between 100 -199 percent of the federal poverty level. One study found that more than half of women who obtained abortions had experienced a “potentially disruptive event” within the past year, such as unemployment, separation from a partner, falling behind on rent/mortgage and moving multiple times. If women had social and economic stability, fewer would face unintended pregnancies, and some might choose to continue an unplanned pregnancy.

Christians who want to lessen the abortion rate should, then, be concerned with alleviation of poverty. They should advocate for policies that empower girls and women, including education, universal healthcare, paid parental leave, affordable childcare and freedom from violence.

“If Christians are serious about wanting to decrease the number of abortions, then they should be vocal advocates for access to contraception.”

We know how to lessen the need for abortion. Clear, research-based evidence points the way. Christians should put aside ideologies and heated rhetoric that amplify divisions over abortion to focus on the effective ways we can work across theological differences toward a shared goal of reducing the need for abortion. As Christians, we hold a deep and abiding commitment to truth, and research shows us the truth in the evidence about what is actually effective in lowering abortion rates.

Focusing on making all abortions illegal and overturning Roe v. Wade is counterproductive if the goal is to actually lower the number of abortions. Bestowing “personhood” on a zygote and labeling abortion “murder” may be effective political strategies, but these are not effective practices in actually addressing unplanned pregnancies and the circumstances that lead to the need for abortion.

Christians may well disagree on the status of fetus or the privileging of the value of the personhood of a woman over the value of fetal life, but the evidence shows that certain practices provide the possibility for common ground in effecting real change in the need for abortion. Both Christians who believe life begins at conception and Christians who believe women have the right to make their own health decisions should be able to support those measures that can help achieve common goals.

The question for those who oppose abortion on demand is whether they would prefer a largely symbolic victory (abstinence-only education, no contraception and no access to abortion) that is theologically pure for them but ineffective in preventing abortions, or an actual decrease in the number of abortions through effective, evidence-based practices (legal access to abortion, broad access to contraception, accurate sex education and the empowerment of girls and women).

On this latter option, Christians across the theological spectrum can and should find common ground. Working together we can improve the lives of girls and women and lower the need for legal, medically safe abortion.

 


OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors.
Tags:AbortionRoe v Wadesex educationabortion access law
Susan M. Shaw, Senior Columnist
More by
Susan M. Shaw, Senior Columnist
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • Next BNG free webinar will survey global religious issues and human rights

      News

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      Opinion

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      Opinion

    • It’s still rare for a Baptist minister to serve in Congress

      Analysis


    Curated

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      January 22, 2021
    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      January 22, 2021
    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      January 22, 2021
    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      January 22, 2021
    Read Next:

    ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

    OpinionMark Wingfield

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • It’s still rare for a Baptist minister to serve in Congress

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • Inspiration from voices of American diversity

      OpinionPhawnda Moore

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • In New York City, serving the homeless offered a clue for how to serve trauma victims during the pandemic

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • At Central Seminary, Durso inauguration moves to virtual platform

      NewsBNG staff

    • Kentucky seminary receives Baugh Foundation grant to start Institute for Black Church Studies

      NewsPat Cole

    • American Protestants less open to sermons on race in 2020, survey finds

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • 3 current trends youth leaders need to know

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Seminarian, CBF and Georgia church find fellowship together

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • New effort to repeal federal death penalty is beginning

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Barna advice to pastors: Talk honestly about emotions and relationships

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trump administration pushes evangelical agenda through last-minute actions

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Trump’s parting gift echos his immigration policies toward Africa

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • SBC seminary presidents meet with Black pastors but don’t change position on Critical Race Theory

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Q&A with Michael McMahon of the Hymn Society of North America

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Western Recorder, second oldest Baptist paper in America, to cease publication

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • Inspiration from voices of American diversity

      OpinionPhawnda Moore

    • Some hard questions for reflection on this MLK Day

      OpinionSid Smith III

    • Let’s move beyond the easy answers and MLK quotes today

      OpinionCraig Nash

    • The blasphemy of Franklin Graham

      OpinionRobert P. Sellers

    • 10 prayers for 2021 (if we survive January)

      OpinionErich Bridges

    • Why ‘moderate’ churches fear telling it like it is

      OpinionEric Minton

    • 4 things you can do to counter the millions of Americans who are fully radicalized

      OpinionCorey Fields

    • Christian symbols and sedition at the Capitol: The church has work to do

      OpinionRhonda Abbott Blevins

    • Give yourself some grace during the pandemic

      OpinionBrett Younger

    • Understanding the trauma and finding hope after the siege of the nation’s Capitol

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • Why I long for the church of my youth

      OpinionRichard T. Hughes

    • ‘He being dead, yet speaketh’

      OpinionHarold Ivan Smith

    • Toxic masculinity, 24-hour news and complacency fed the Jan. 6 riots

      OpinionJohn Jay Alvaro

    • A lesson from 19th century North Carolina: Lost cause, lost opportunity

      OpinionGreg Jarrell

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Baptist World Alliance Announces Racial Justice Action Group

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • 3rd Candidate Joins Race for SBC President

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • From Biden’s giant Bible to Christian flags waved by rioters, ‘religion’ means different things to different people and different eras

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In Biden’s Cabinet, Catholics and Jews dominate

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden Invokes Augustine in Call for American Unity

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where Biden attended pre-inauguration Mass, has long been a place where politics and faith meet

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • North Dakota lawmaker sorry for mass email of QAnon video

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Mohler Faces SBC Presidential Challenge from the Right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden’s Big Bible Is Heavy with History, Symbolism

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • How the Ebenezer Baptist Church has been a seat of Black power for generations in Atlanta

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Annual March for Life goes virtual amid COVID-19, unrest at US Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • The Capitol siege recalls past acts of Christian nationalist violence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Moms of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin portrayed in new book

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • ‘Christian nationalists’ accused of violating law in Georgia elections

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Joanne Rogers, widow of ‘Mr. Rogers,’ dead at age 92

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israel hopes to vaccinate Holocaust survivors to save and repay ‘treasured’ population

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Anti-Semitism seen in Capitol insurrection raises alarms

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Most Evangelical Trump Voters Didn’t Turn on Mike Pence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • What four strangers of different faiths learned while living together during a pandemic

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In waning days of Trump presidency, Department of Health and Human Services undercuts religious liberty protections in new final rule

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2021 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS