Vote for Life

Written by Sherri Bergmann

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 has ignited a very heated debate in California, as well as across the nation. Now, in Proposition 1, the state is offering voters the opportunity to choose whether to make “reproductive freedom” (abortion) a constitutional right.

What this means is if most vote Yes, it would make it harder to make having an abortion illegal in the future. Women would be able to freely have an abortion, even late term. No legislature will have the power to constrain the practice of abortion, in all its forms, or reinstate post-viability restrictions.

As a Christian and as part of the Church, where should we stand in this? Shouldn’t our primary concern be, “Where does God stand with this?” and advocate for His cause?

Let’s look at the facts
If our lives didn’t start at the moment of conception, when did it start? We came into existence when the sperm successfully made it into the egg, uniquely passing down an inheritance of genes from our ancestors. We didn’t become a full-sized baby overnight, but by God’s divine process we were knitted together in the womb. 

Taking an abortion pill after conception is not simply the destruction of undeveloped tissue. The truth is that when we were conceived, we met life at the beginning of an amazing process designed by God. The Bible says He knew us before we were born. We were known as individual living beings even while we were still in the womb.

Some advocate for allowing abortions up to “fetal viability,” which is typically considered to be 24 weeks of gestation. It is a medical fact that a baby born this early can survive outside the womb. 

Many of us are preemies
What are the facts about fetal viability? In 2018, a baby girl was born in San Diego weighing 8.6 ounces and 9 inches long. She was 23 weeks and 3 days old, gestationally.  Today she is thriving with few known medical issues and living at home with her family in California.1 There are countless success stories of babies considered born too early.

According to the March of Dimes, the preterm birth rate in the U.S. (percent of babies born before 37 weeks a year) is 9.8; 1 in 10 babies are born too soon.2 By that definition, many of us living today were born premature. We were living inside the womb, then alive outside the womb. The term fetus or pregnancy tissue instead of baby does not acknowledge the living personhood of the baby within the womb.

Incorrect reports
Some mothers who were excited about having a child had their dreams plummet when they were told their baby might have a birth defect or a debilitating syndrome. However, the New York Times revealed a worse horror story – so-called sophisticated health screenings gave initial false readings. Of the five most popular screenings for identifying these syndromes, results ranged from 80% to 93% incorrect reports. The mothers didn’t request a follow-up confirmation, nor trusted God. One geneticist recounted a case in which the follow-up testing revealed the baby was healthy, but the patient had already ended her pregnancy.3

In spite of having a birth defect(s) there are many fantastic organizations and programs who provide the parents and the child support to thrive well, find joy and live a full and meaningful life. I am one of them; I was born premature, deaf and have life-long lung health issues. Many of us were born with a birth defect or a syndrome. Yet, we still have value.  Google intentionally hires those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, noting their bright intelligence and as highly-functioning and contributing professionals.4 

Maternal death vs abortions
Pro-choicers often highlight an advantage of having legalized abortion: the potential risk of the mother’s life. This is a valid concern, but one that is greatly exaggerated. The percentage of maternal death is minuscule compared to those who have an abortion. According to the CDC, “In 2020, 861 women were identified as having died of maternal causes in the United States. The maternal mortality rate for 2020 was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births.” 5 0.0024 – way less than 1%. This report identified statistics by age group and race.

Now consider those who choose to have a late term abortion even if the baby and mother are healthy. With the phrase “shall not deny or interfere,” Prop 1 omits all current safeguards that protect babies after viability, allowing for abortion up to birth. Whether one takes an abortion pill after the baby is conceived – to full term – abortion ends the life of a person who otherwise would exist. Visit facesofchoice.org and hear from those who survived abortions.    

Rising numbers of deaths in California
Let’s pull this into perspective. How many babies are we talking about? I54,060 recorded abortions occurred in California in 2020.6 In the California General Election Official Voter Information Guide, the rebuttal to argument in favor of Proposition 1 points out, “According to The San Jose Mercury News, clinics in San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties have already seen a 1,246% increase in women seeking abortions – just from Arizona.” 

A special note to single mothers
To single mothers, and mothers considering abortion, God understands your fears and your pain. You may not think that there is help or support for you, but here at Foothills Church, you are loved, as well as your child. We’re here to support you and help you find hope for the future for you and your child. You can have a bright life together and overcome your fears and obstacles. There are many here ready to help you experience God’s love that is not of this world. Don’t let the fear you have rob you of the joy you and your child can experience in the future.

Or consider adoption. There are families who want to give your child love and a good home. Through open adoption you can have a relationship with your child and watch him or her grow up and share their milestones. Someday they may have children. You can enjoy the legacy that you gave – love and life. Check out our new adoption support group at Foothills and hear firsthand life-changing experiences from those who have been adopted, and those who have adopted.

You can also visit pcshealth.org, or call (530) 626-6720, or their 24/7 Hotline: (800) 712-HELP (4357).

The crux of the issue
The crosshairs of the battle between those who are for self-choice and those who are pro-life can be  summed up in two verses, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19, and “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.” 1 John 4:5.

For the Christian who cares about what God cares about, it isn’t about supporting the world’s desires as politicians do, it’s about supporting God’s. Give love and life a chance, and help protect the unborn, His Creation.