Some will cite compassion as their reason for supporting a “woman’s right to choose.” They believe abortion is an unfortunate, but necessary option. They errantly believe that abortion actually helps women.
On one particular day, I spoke with two women who were considering abortion. One chose life for their child and one chose to terminate her pregnancy. I maintained contact with both. Months following this initial conversation, the one who chose life was now excited about meeting her child soon. The one who chose abortion, stated that she couldn’t stop crying and found it hard to move forward.
Many are told that abortion is just a simple procedure and are promised they can go on with their life just as before. However, what many find is there is a significant “before and after”, and the after is often filled with emotional struggles. Studies have revealed the following risks after abortion:
| TYPE OF RISK | PERCENT INCREASED RISK |
| Anxiety disorders | 34 |
| Depression | 37 |
| Alcohol use/abuse | 110 |
| Marijuana use/abuse | 220 |
| Suicide behaviors | 155 |
| All mental health risks | 81 |
Abortion doesn’t solve a woman’s problem; it tends to add to it. She now faces the burden of carrying her decision to abort. She is constantly reminded of her choice with every baby shower she attends, the birth of a friend or family member’s new baby, the anniversary of what would have been her baby’s due date or the date of her abortion, by hearing political rhetoric in the news, seeing children at the age of what her child would have been, or even filling out simple medical questionnaires at doctors’ offices.
Alternatively, if there are people in her life that can help bear the weight she may feel of carrying her child to term, the outcome can be vastly different. What if the church committed itself to helping a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy find the necessary resources that have become obstacles for her? A church can develop a resource list to help with housing, education, employment, childcare and necessary baby items. What if the church provided true friendship and mentorship so the woman doesn’t have to journey through her unplanned pregnancy alone? What if the church stepped in to be surrogate fathers, parents, grandparents and friends offering emotional support and stability?
Matthew 9:36 beautifully communicates the heart of our Savior: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” How different a woman’s decision for her unplanned pregnancy will be as the Church responds with this kind of compassion and be the safe place, the healing place, the supportive place and the loving place.
As the Church consistently provides opportunities for those struggling with a past abortion to receive healing, as well as offer support for those in an unplanned pregnancy, we will be the true messengers of compassion. No longer will they be “harassed and helpless” from their fears, emotions and their past, and instead they will become sheep who know their loving shepherd.
Let’s be the Church that offers true compassion, healing and hope.
