N T Wright is wrong on abortion, say critics

The theologian and former bishop of Durham, Tom Wright, has prompted concern among evangelicals after stating that Christians may terminate a pregnancy in some cases.

While Wright did not argue the case for unrestricted abortion, he said that in certain situations – such as cases of pregnancy as a result of rape or incest – “the best thing to do is as soon as possible to terminate [the] pregnancy”.

Wright made these comments in June on the Premier Christianity podcast ‘Ask NT Wright Anything’. Although he affirmed that abortion is morally wrong, he claimed that early terminations do not abort “a viable human being” – then admitting it is hard to know when viability begins.

Outrage and debate

The statements have prompted outrage and debate. A recent article was published in response by The Gospel Coalition Canada, in which author and theologian Wyatt Graham argued that “Wright holds a position that is morally impossible to sustain.”

He added: “Let me put it simply: If I do not know when a human being is viable, then I am guessing. But if I am guessing, I may be wrong. If I am wrong, then I am terminating [killing] a viable human being.”

Others have taken to social media platform X to voice their disagreement: British theologian Andrew Wilson praised the “clear response” of The Gospel Coalition article, and David Robertson commented that he was “stunned and shocked” by Wright’s comments.

Dr Callum Miller stated that “N.T. Wright’s teaching here is totally at odds with medicine, science, and the entirety of church teaching stretching back 2,000 years.”