COMMON PRO-ABORTION ARGUMENTS & HOW TO RESPOND

By Gabrielle Stafford

There are common pro-abortion arguments that one hears, especially when actively in the fight against it. Unfortunately, you will hear these arguments from liberal Christians, and those proclaiming to be Christ followers because they genuinely do not fully understand the issue of abortion, what it is, and God’s view on it. 

You also have non-Christians, such as celebrities, politicians, classmates, and relatives, that either don’t understand, or just simply do not care to understand. Many have simply taken on what the culture says without knowing anything about abortion and what it actually is. 

You have men, who are supporting and driving their wives, girlfriends, friends, coworkers, sisters and cousins to abortion facilities. Sometimes they don’t even know why. They’re simply just turning a blind eye, maybe they don’t care, and/or they don’t feel it’s their place to say anything. 

Lastly, you have the women who are going into abortion facilities, for different reasons, and with various emotions, doubts and questions.

When I was sidewalk counseling and very active in the prolife movement, some of the most common pro-abortion arguments I heard were these: “my body my choice,” “it’s the woman’s personal decision,” “she’s too young to have a baby, she must focus on her studies,” “her financial situation wouldn’t allow her to raise a child,” and the question of doing adoption when your child might end up in a domestic violence situation or something bad might happen to them. Some of the others include: lack of the father’s involvement in the raising of the child, lack of family support, or just affirming the woman will not do a good job, or that the timing is wrong.

Let’s look at some of the most common pro-abortion arguments and respond to them from a Christian worldview!

“My body, my choice”

“My body, my choice” is a very popular argument or mantra used in favor of abortion. Basically, it’s the notion that it’s the woman’s decision to do what she wishes with her body, whether she has an abortion or not. That it’s her right and her choice alone. 

The funny thing is, the statement by itself is valid. Everyone should have the choice of what they do with their own body. From vaccinations, to other major health decisions like surgeries and treatment plans. As someone who is ardently pro-life, I am also pro-woman. However, the big caveat here is that in the case of a pregnant woman, her child is a separate organism with separate DNA. Yes, she is carrying the child, but there is a distinct life within her, therefore, it isn’t her choice to decide whether that separate being lives or dies.   

A choice to abort is a choice to intentionally kill a life. It may not be necessary to say that bluntly in every conversation, however. Many mothers don’t stop to consider the fact that the baby in the womb is human from conception. They don’t consider that aborting their baby is murder. How do we tactfully bring a woman to the truth? Asking questions in conversation and letting her talk and answer will bring the truth out clearly, even if she wants to ignore it. Questions such as:

Would you say that there are times that abortion is right and other times when it is wrong? If so, what is the difference?

Why is an unborn child not a human, but people call the murder of a pregnant woman double homicide? What are your thoughts on that? 

Are you okay with the idea of intentionally killing an infant outside the womb? Why is the unborn child any different?

Does late term abortions differ from abortions earlier on in pregnancy?

In addition to questions, I recommend starting off by verbally agreeing with her that yes, women, and people should in general have the choice of what happens to their bodies. This can open up the door and make them realize that you agree with the statement in and of itself. Finding some common ground is always a great place to start.

When faced with the opportunity to combat this popular argument, my response will follow the pattern of asking questions and attempting to help them see that 1) for many this slogan is really just about the woman, and disregards the life of the precious life she is carrying, 2) there is no longer a choice when it means taking a life because life is valuable in and outside the womb alike, and 3) explaining how we as the pro-life movement do indeed care about the mother and supporting her in all the possible ways, from finances, health care, helping with the adoption process if she would rather not raise her child, assistance in finding employment, baby supplies, etc. 

“She’s too young to be a mother, she must focus on her studies”

The argument that a woman is too young, or that having a baby would interfere with her schooling is certainly a valid concern. We know that kids shouldn’t be having kids, especially kids in grade school. However, the sad reality is that becoming pregnant, and simply being sexually active, is an issue evident in those younger and younger. 

Being too young, or being a student in school, (either finishing high school, starting college or even starting a career) is not a good argument for an abortion. Being in this position is certainly not easy, especially if there are no family members or friends who can support you, but there are many in the pro-life movement that are ready to step up and help meet the need, which is a blessing. 

Oftentimes, for a young woman, the issue or barrier of having a child, whether they are considering an abortion or not, is that they don’t feel like they can or should raise a child or they feel like they can’t be successful in school as a young mom. 

One of the best things, for most cases and situations, is to get to know the mother. Get to know her situation and what she needs. Does she feel inadequate to raise a child? Does she have support from family and/or friends? Is the main issue daycare for the child? Or is it finances? Or is it simply that she does not want to be a mother? 

My response to a young mom especially is to hear her. Hear her concerns and really listen,  offering real help based on what she needs. Give her the information that will truly empower her and encourage her that “yes, you can do this. You are not alone. It may be hard, but there is support available for you!” 

I recall a conversation I had while sidewalk counseling where the woman I was speaking with mentioned being in college and her concerns of having a child while going through college and working towards a career. I presented to her the idea of adoption, (which is often very hard to convince someone to do,) and I let her know about the financial assistance available as well. She didn’t take me up on that offer, at least that day, but in the pro-life movement all we can do is pray, listen and lovingly offer.

“I don’t have the financial means to raise a child”

The argument and issue of finances is a big one! Thinking about all the finances that would be needed to raise a child can certainly be scary, especially if a woman finds herself young, unemployed or even homeless. My immediate response to a woman convinced that an abortion would be best so that she won’t have to deal with the financial strain of having and raising a child is simply letting her know that there are financial resources and assistance available! 

There is assistance in the form of helping pay bills, groceries, baby supplies, or if needed finding employment, etc. And there are individuals in the position and with the heart to help pay for doctor visits, baby supplies, and whatever is needed, so that a woman feels empowered and able to choose life and not worry about the financial burden. 

The argument of finances is pretty weak when there is actual financial help and assistance available. Yes, the abortion industry, especially in our post-Roe world in the United States might and certainly has given clients gas gift cards and paid for their travels to get an abortion, and in some cases the abortion itself, but we, as the prolife movement are the only ones that will walk with a woman during and after pregnancy, and even after an abortion. The abortion industry cares only about making money, killing babies and meeting their quotas and goals. 

In the case of finances being the barrier for a pregnant woman, learning about what financial resources are available at local pro-life organizations in our communities will help equip us to effectively communicate to women. Every pro-life individual around the globe should take the time to inform him/herself about efforts being made in their cities to fight abortion and offer real support to women.

As a sidewalk counselor speaking to a woman outside the abortion facility, I would explain what financial resources are available which include helping pay for bills, groceries, and at times, there is even the possibility of assisting with purchasing or gifting a car.

There is real financial support for women in crisis pregnancy situations. 

“I don’t want someone else to raise my child”

When sidewalk counseling and speaking to a client about the option of adoption, the most common response I always receive is that they do not want anyone else to raise their child. At times the notion of their child ending up in a bad situation is mentioned as well.

I have listened to several clients in conversation who shared their heartfelt fears and concerns of their child either ending up in a rape situation, domestic violence, homelessness or something similar. Many parents were also concerned that their child might think they simply didn’t want them, which in many cases is not at all true. I spoke to both mothers and fathers while sidewalk counseling who were sincerely struggling and just felt like abortion was their only choice instead of having their child be raised by someone else.

In my experience, it is extremely rare for a woman to choose adoption instead of abortion, but I do believe that sometimes if we can explain in detail what that option would look like and even make the necessary call, the woman might go that route and end up choosing life for her child. Many women find new hope when they begin to understand the ways and avenues that will allow her to be involved in her child’s life. 

On the topic of adoption, it is certainly really hard for women to think about the notion of someone else caring for their child, but if they begin to understand what abortion is and the validity in adoption, she might bravely choose life for her child via adoption.  

When speaking to someone, whether it is a pregnant woman or just simply someone who is for abortion, whatever the argument, concern or hesitation, responding in love is so critical. Ask questions. Share knowledge. Make calls. Offer your time and resources. Listen and care for them.