One of the most insightful decisions made by our Founding Fathers while establishing the American government was the clear separation of church and state. As someone who values my faith, I appreciate that no single religion should dictate our nation’s laws and policies — including those related to abortion.
I hold the belief that life begins at conception. In my view, both embryos and fetuses are distinct human entities. I personally find the choice to end a life due to timing issues to be troubling. These convictions come from my spiritual beliefs, which is why the concept of abortion generally unsettles me.
However, I cannot celebrate the separation of church and state while simultaneously wishing for my religious views to shape public policy. That would be hypocritical. I believe that legislation should be grounded in the best available data and facts, not merely influenced by an individual’s or group’s ideology.
Research consistently demonstrates that the most effective ways to decrease abortion rates are through comprehensive healthcare for women, thorough reproductive education, and convenient access to affordable contraception. Banning abortion outright has not been shown to reduce abortion rates. In fact, nations where abortion is illegal often experience higher abortion rates compared to those where it is legal.
In the United States, the abortion rate has declined to levels not seen since the pivotal Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. While abortion laws differ by state, rates have dropped in states with both strict restrictions and more lenient policies. The crucial factor in this decline is not the legal status of abortion but rather the availability of reliable birth control. This is the only solution I’ve found that is proven to significantly impact abortion rates.
This raises an important question: Why aren’t more pro-life advocates championing better access to birth control? Why aren’t they rallying for contraception to be free and readily available for all women? If the objective is genuinely to reduce the number of abortions, shouldn’t that be where we focus our efforts?
A major issue with the pro-life movement is that many who advocate for banning abortion also support policies that limit access to contraception and cut funding for programs that provide education and access to birth control, which are vital for lowering abortion rates. On the other hand, pro-choice advocates typically push for increased access and funding for these services. Since education and contraception have a more significant impact on reducing abortion rates than outright bans, it seems logical to support women’s reproductive rights, which is currently associated with the pro-choice movement.
Moreover, the topic of abortion is far from simple. It’s not just black-and-white. Who am I, or any legislator, to make judgments about the health implications of someone else’s situation? I have witnessed too many families, who deeply wanted a child, endure profound suffering due to restrictive abortion laws. I have read countless stories that lead me to believe that prohibitive laws do more harm than good.
I’ve seen enough to understand that abortion is not always an absolute wrong. As a person of faith, I believe that it’s God — not the government — who should make such judgments. I trust that God will care for those babies, regardless of the circumstances, and that we should prioritize supporting women facing difficult decisions.
Beyond the potential harm to families, I consider myself a realist. The reality is that restrictive abortion laws do not eliminate the need for abortions. Women will still seek them out, whether through legal avenues, underground providers, or unsafe methods. The tragic outcome is that if a woman dies from a botched or self-induced abortion, the baby dies too. Banning abortion saves no one.
So, if you feel compelled to advocate against abortion, that’s your prerogative. If you wish to encourage women contemplating abortion to consider alternatives, go for it. You have every right to offer counsel and support. However, I believe it is essential to keep the law out of such personal matters.
If you genuinely want to decrease abortion rates, focus on supporting legislation that will effectively lower unwanted pregnancies. Advocate for affordable, accessible birth control, comprehensive sex education, and quality healthcare for all individuals. If the aim is to reduce abortion rates — a goal I assume is shared by anyone identifying as pro-life — then promoting these proven methods is the way forward. For more insights on reproductive health, check out this excellent resource from the CDC.
In summary, being genuinely pro-life involves supporting policies that provide women with the resources they need to make informed choices about their reproductive health. It requires advocating for accessible birth control and education while respecting the complex realities of each individual’s situation.