Abortion: Building a culture where mothers are supported

Organisers estimate that at least 10,000 people gave their voice to the unborn in this year's “March for Life” that finished in Parliament Square, London. 

Supported by several Christian leaders, the peaceful protest also faced opposition from pro-abortionists. The march included prayer and well-known speakers.

Amid the more heated protests in London that week, the "March for Life" was noted to be peaceful. The unity between a broad spectrum of theological expressions, under the same gospel cause, was palpable. 

The organisers were encouraged by the event's growing support from atheists, who recognise the consistency of the pro-life argument with other human rights causes.  

Critics of the event state that eight of the 13 speakers had direct links to the Alliance Defending Freedom, considered a “hate group” in the USA.

As a Bible-believing Christian, the issue of abortion is close to my heart. I support the pro-life movement and appreciate its voice in the public square. I also understand that the problem of abortion is far more complicated and deeply seated in our fallen culture, to be fixed by waving a sign at the vulnerable; more needs to be done.

Many women in the church I pastor have had an abortion and live with the guilt each day. They have come to me in tears, seeking counsel, thankful for forgiveness in Christ Jesus. There is a myriad of reasons why they undertook such a procedure, none of which can ever be solved by simply stating that abortion is wrong. Their lives before meeting Jesus were so complicated that they needed much wider support and compassion.

My prayer is that through the proclamation of the gospel and the active service of Christians loving their neighbours, the church can build a society where women are honoured and respected by men, where physical relationships are cherished and protected in the confines of marriage and that the fruits thereof can be celebrated.

Whatever causes a woman to undertake an abortion, I am sure that most do not need to be told that it is wrong; what they need is love and practical help, in the hope that they will keep the child.

As we continue to support the message of the pro-life movement and be thankful for this peaceful march, we should also be thinking practically, in ways that we can actively support women (financially and otherwise) to embrace motherhood and raise their children in a loving home. Abortion ceases to be an option if women are loved and respected and supported as mothers.