46 years ago, the United States Supreme Court issued opinions in the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton cases. These decisions put abortion forth as a fundamental right under the United States Constitution.
Since January 22, 1973 there have been over 60 million abortions in our country.
60 million.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will have an abortion by age 45.
Those are mind-numbing numbers.E
ach abortion ends the life of an unborn baby. Each one also impacts the lives of those left behind – mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, friends. Many experience depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger, fear, grief, shame – so many negative emotions. Some consider suicide a way of escape from the dark place of secrecy and isolation where they have lived since the abortion took place.
When someone regrets their abortion, they rarely talk about it – especially to anyone at church. They fear judgment and condemnation…even though it may have taken place 40+ years ago. They may never hear their pastor or priest talk about it. If they do, the message generally focuses on the tragic loss of innocent human life. That is truth, which needs to be heard in our world turned upside-down.
There is another message, however, that desperately needs to be heard alongside. The church needs to hear about the devastation which may be experienced by those who had some part in the decision. Post-abortive individuals sit desperately waiting to hear from the religious leaders they respect that God can forgive even this terrible thing. And they never hear it.
It may be the 30-year-old worship leader or the 65-year-old Sunday School teacher. Maybe it’s the person sitting in the furthest seat in the last row or the wife of the head elder. It could even be the pastor’s wife. Or, maybe it’s the woman who is attending church for the first time in years. She is desperate for something to fill the empty places in her soul – anything to heal that gaping wound inside. Post-abortive women are everywhere, in every age group and ethnicity. They look just like everyone else, except for the secret burden buried way down deep.
This January, We Are Everywhere is issuing a 3-part challenge to the church: 1) explore the issue and it impact; 2) speak specific words of mercy and grace over those who have experienced abortion; and, 3) share resources to help those who are hurting.
Throughout this week (leading up to Sanctity of Human Life Sunday), we will present the challenge in fuller detail.
Stay tuned!
Kay
