The Case for Life

1. The pro-life position hinges on the humanity of the unborn

If the unborn are human beings, killing them to benefit others is a serious moral wrong.

The central question. The entire abortion debate revolves around one key issue: What is the unborn? If the unborn are human beings, then elective abortion unjustly takes an innocent life. If not, then abortion requires no more justification than any other medical procedure. This framing cuts through distracting rhetoric and focuses the discussion on the core ethical question.

Scientific and philosophical arguments. Pro-life advocates contend that:

• Scientifically, from the earliest stages of development, the unborn are distinct, living, and whole human organisms
• Philosophically, there is no morally relevant difference between the embryo you once were and the adult you are today
• Differences of size, level of development, environment, and degree of dependency do not justify killing the unborn

Clarifying the debate. By consistently returning to this central question, pro-life advocates can expose hidden assumptions and clarify the real point of disagreement in conversations about abortion. This approach moves beyond emotional appeals to examine the underlying ethical principles at stake.

2. Science confirms the unborn are distinct, living human beings

From the earliest stages of development, the unborn are distinct, living, and whole human beings.

Clear scientific consensus. Leading embryology textbooks affirm that human life begins at fertilization. At that point, a new organism with unique DNA comes into existence. This is not a religious or philosophical claim, but a biological fact. The embryo is not a part of the mother's body, but a whole, living human organism directing its own development.

Key characteristics of the unborn:

• Distinct: Different from mother's body with unique genetic code
• Living: Exhibiting metabolism, growth, and cellular reproduction
• Human: Possessing human DNA and developing as a member of the human species
• Organism: Functioning as an integrated whole to develop to the next stage of human life

Refuting common objections. Claims that the unborn are merely "clumps of cells" or "potential life" ignore the scientific reality. While dependent on the mother, the unborn are not part of her body any more than a nursing infant. Their humanity is not a matter of size, location, or level of development, but their fundamental nature as living human organisms.

3. Human value stems from our nature, not functional abilities

Humans have value simply because they are human, not because of some acquired property that they may gain or lose during their lifetime.

The basis of human equality. The pro-life view grounds human value in our shared human nature, not in acquired functional abilities like consciousness or self-awareness. This provides a consistent foundation for human equality and rights. If human value depends on variable functions, then human rights become unequal and some humans become more valuable than others.

Problems with personhood theory:

• Excludes newborns, who lack self-awareness
• Implies humans in comas have less value
• Potentially grants personhood to some animals over some humans
• Undermines the basis for universal human rights

Implications beyond abortion. This view of human value has consequences far beyond the abortion debate. It provides a philosophical grounding for human rights, opposes discrimination, and affirms the equal dignity of all humans regardless of ability, age, or stage of development. It challenges cultural tendencies to devalue human life based on utility or function.

4. Bodily autonomy arguments fail to justify elective abortion

If the only way I can withhold support is to kill another person, I may not do it.

Addressing bodily rights claims. Some argue that even if the unborn are human, women have an absolute right to bodily autonomy that trumps the right to life of the unborn. This argument fails for several reasons:

• It assumes no special duty of parents to their offspring
• It ignores the difference between withholding support and active killing
• It would justify infanticide in many cases if applied consistently
• It fails to account for the unique nature of pregnancy as natural and temporary

The limits of autonomy. While bodily autonomy is important, it is not absolute. Society restricts bodily autonomy in many ways to protect the rights of others. The right to swing one's fist ends at another person's nose. Likewise, the right to bodily autonomy does not justify ending another human life.

Responsibility and consent. Except in cases of rape, a woman's choice to engage in sexual activity that may result in pregnancy creates a responsibility toward any resulting child. Consenting to an action means accepting its natural consequences, even if unintended.

5. Effective pro-life advocacy requires clear communication and compassion

The goal is to engage your critics, not silence them.

Tactics for productive dialogue. Effective pro-life advocacy involves more than just having the right arguments. It requires the ability to communicate clearly, listen well, and engage compassionately. Some key approaches:

• Ask clarifying questions to understand others' views
• Use analogies to illustrate pro-life principles
• Expose hidden assumptions in pro-choice arguments
• Show empathy while maintaining moral clarity
• Focus on the central issue of the unborn's humanity

Avoiding common pitfalls. Pro-life advocates should avoid:

• Attacking the character of abortion supporters
• Using inflammatory language that alienates listeners
• Getting sidetracked by peripheral issues
• Ignoring the real challenges faced by women in crisis pregnancies

Balancing truth and grace. While firmly defending the humanity of the unborn, pro-life advocates must also show compassion for women facing unplanned pregnancies and offer practical support. The goal is to change hearts and minds, not just win arguments.

6. Pastors play a crucial role in shaping the cultural view of human value

Teaching Christians to engage the ideas that determine culture is not a distraction from the gospel. Rather, it removes roadblocks to it.

A biblical worldview of human value. Pastors have a responsibility to teach a biblical understanding of human dignity and apply it to contemporary ethical issues. This involves:

• Grounding human value in the image of God
• Affirming the equal worth of all humans regardless of ability or stage of development
• Addressing cultural challenges to human dignity

Equipping the church. Beyond preaching, pastors should equip church members to engage the culture with a persuasive defense of human value. This includes:

• Teaching basic scientific and philosophical arguments for the pro-life position
• Addressing common objections to the pro-life view
• Encouraging compassionate outreach to women in crisis pregnancies

Confronting fears. Some pastors avoid addressing abortion out of fear of:

• Distracting from the gospel
• Driving people away
• Offending those who have had abortions

However, addressing life issues can actually open doors for gospel conversations and demonstrate the relevance of Christian ethics to real-world problems.

7. Post-abortion healing comes through embracing God's forgiveness

You don't need an excuse; you need an exchange—your sinfulness for Christ's righteousness.

The path to healing. Many who have participated in abortions struggle with guilt and shame. True healing comes not through denial or self-justification, but through embracing God's forgiveness in Christ. This involves:

• Acknowledging the wrong of abortion without excuse
• Recognizing the inability to atone for sin through good works
• Trusting in Christ's sacrifice as payment for all sin
• Receiving God's declaration of righteousness through faith

The gospel's power. The good news of Christianity offers hope to those burdened by guilt:

• Christ's death pays the penalty for all sin, including abortion
• God's forgiveness is complete, covering past, present, and future sins
• Justification means being declared righteous based on Christ's work, not our own

Moving forward. Those who have experienced God's forgiveness for abortion can:

• Live free from ongoing guilt and shame
• Serve God out of gratitude rather than attempting to earn forgiveness
• Share their story to help others find healing and choose life

Last updated: September 12, 2024