Persuasive Pro Life

1. The central question in the abortion debate: What are the unborn?

If the unborn is not a human person, no justification for abortion is necessary. However, if the unborn is a human person, no justification for abortion is adequate.

Scientific evidence supports personhood. From the moment of conception, the unborn possess unique human DNA and are biologically distinct from their mothers. They are living, growing organisms that, if given time and nurture, will develop into fully-formed human beings.

Philosophical considerations. The pro-life position argues that all human beings, regardless of their stage of development, possess inherent dignity and worth. This view holds that personhood is not determined by arbitrary criteria like size, level of development, or degree of dependency, but by membership in the human species.

Practical implications. If the unborn are indeed human persons, then abortion becomes a serious moral issue comparable to infanticide or other forms of homicide. This realization shifts the debate from questions of choice or bodily autonomy to fundamental human rights.

2. Trot Out a Toddler: A powerful pro-life argument technique

Imagine I have a two-year-old here, and his mother is poor and feels like she cannot care for him. Should she be allowed to kill him?

Revealing moral inconsistency. This technique helps expose the flaws in many pro-choice arguments by applying them to born children, particularly toddlers. It demonstrates that reasons often given to justify abortion (poverty, inconvenience, etc.) would never be accepted as justifications for killing a born child.

Refocusing the debate. By using this method, pro-life advocates can steer conversations back to the central question of the unborn's humanity. It challenges people to consider why they view the unborn differently from born children and whether those differences are morally relevant.

Encouraging critical thinking. The Trot Out a Toddler technique encourages people to examine their beliefs more deeply and consider the logical consequences of their arguments. It can be a powerful tool for changing minds and hearts on the issue of abortion.

3. Understanding and countering common pro-choice arguments

Just as we would ask a racist why skin color makes someone less valuable, we should ask disqualifiers why SLED differences make someone less valuable—or not a someone at all.

Pragmatic arguments. Many pro-choice advocates argue that abortion is necessary for various social or economic reasons. Pro-life responses should focus on the humanity of the unborn and why these reasons don't justify ending a human life.

Bodily autonomy claims. Some argue that a woman's right to control her body trumps the rights of the unborn. Counter by acknowledging the importance of bodily autonomy while explaining why it doesn't justify ending another human life.

Viability and personhood. Pro-choice advocates often argue that the unborn aren't persons until viability or birth. Respond by explaining why these are arbitrary distinctions and how they fail to account for the continuous nature of human development.

4. The SLED defense: Size, Level of development, Environment, Degree of dependency

None of the differences justify depriving unborn humans of the right to life.

Size: The unborn are smaller than born humans, but size doesn't determine human value. We don't consider larger adults more valuable than smaller ones.

Level of development: While the unborn are less developed than born humans, newborns are also less developed than adults. Human value isn't based on capabilities.

Environment: Location doesn't determine personhood. Moving from the womb to outside the womb doesn't change the essential nature of a human being.

Degree of dependency: The unborn are dependent on their mothers, but newborns and many others (e.g., those on life support) are also highly dependent. Dependency doesn't negate human rights.

5. Addressing "hard cases" in abortion with empathy and logic

Rape is a horrifying evil, but should our answer to the evil of rape be to commit further evil against an innocent person?

Rape and incest. Acknowledge the trauma of these situations while explaining why the unborn child, as an innocent party, shouldn't be punished for the crimes of the father.

Life of the mother. Distinguish between direct abortion and medical treatments that may indirectly result in the death of the unborn. Emphasize the goal of saving both lives when possible.

Fetal abnormalities. Recognize the difficulties faced by families in these situations, but argue that the value of human life isn't determined by health or abilities.

6. Bodily rights arguments and their limitations

If moving from one place to another outside of the womb does not negate our personhood, then how could moving from inside the womb to outside it cause someone to become a person?

The sovereign zone argument. This claims women have absolute rights over their bodies. Counter by showing that no right is absolute and that the unborn are distinct entities, not mere body parts.

The right to refuse argument. This compares pregnancy to organ donation. Highlight the differences between refusing to save a life and actively ending one, and the unique relationship between mother and child.

Responsibility objection. In most cases, the parents' voluntary actions led to the creation and dependency of the unborn child, creating a special obligation.

7. Effective pro-life advocacy: Combining knowledge with gracious approach

When engaging people's complex views on abortion, while at the same time respecting the people we disagree with, the pro-life movement has the chance to reframe the abortion debate and create a culture that respects human life.

Be knowledgeable. Understand the scientific, philosophical, and ethical arguments surrounding abortion. Be prepared to address common objections and misconceptions.

Practice empathy. Recognize the difficult circumstances that lead many to consider abortion. Show compassion for both the woman and the unborn child.

Use effective communication techniques:

• Ask questions to understand others' views
• Find common ground when possible
• Use analogies and thought experiments to illustrate points
• Stay focused on the central issue of the unborn's humanity

Maintain a respectful tone. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language. Seek to persuade, not condemn.

8. Religious perspectives on abortion and pro-life responses

God has given us free will, and pro-life advocates believe women should exercise that free will. Outlawing abortion does nothing to inhibit free will, because people are free to break the law. It is simply the right thing to do when unborn children are being threatened by abortion.

Addressing religious pro-choice arguments:

• "God is pro-choice": Explain that free will doesn't mean God approves of all choices
• "The Bible doesn't mention abortion": Show how biblical principles protect human life
• "Ensoulment theories": Argue that biological humanity is sufficient for moral status

Using religious arguments effectively:

• Focus on common ground (e.g., the value of human life)
• Emphasize consistent life ethic principles
• Use religious arguments as supplementary, not primary, in public discourse

9. Post-abortion healing and the importance of compassion

Jesus has specific words for post-abortive women and for anyone who has fallen into sin they are so ashamed of that they want to die. He says, "[T]here will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).

Recognizing trauma. Many women (and men) experience emotional and psychological distress following an abortion. Acknowledge this pain without minimizing the gravity of abortion.

Offering hope and healing. Highlight resources like post-abortion counseling and support groups. Emphasize the possibility of forgiveness and restoration.

Creating a welcoming pro-life movement. Encourage post-abortive individuals to share their stories and become powerful advocates for life. Avoid judgmental language that may drive away those seeking healing.

Last updated: October 1, 2024