Why Do Christians Support Abortion?

Supporters of abortion seem to think that they have a right to abort because abortion is placed under the reproductive justice framework. Reproductive justice framework "offers a new perspective on reproductive issues advocacy, pointing out that for Indigenous women and women of color it is important to fight equally for (1) the right to have a child; (2) the right not to have a child; and (3) the right to parent the children we have, as well as to control our birthing options, such as midwifery..."1

If the Bible speaks against abortion, then Christians cannot support abortion, irrespective of reproductive justice. However, a group of Christians passionately support abortion. Why?

Before we consider the reasons behind Christians supporting abortion, let us examine the biblical position on abortion.

The Bible teaches against abortion, because: "(1) God is actively involved in the creation and sustenance of the fetus from conception (Jeremiah 1: 5; Isaiah 49: 1; Psalm 139: 13-16).

(2) Bible uses the terms 'conception' and 'birth' interchangeably (Job 3:3; Jeremiah 1:5; Isaiah 49: 1; Psalm 51: 5), implying the fetus as a person from birth. In fact, Psalm 51: 5 states a continuity of personal identity (as a sinner) from conception to birth. The Greek term for a baby, 'brephos' is applied to a child in the womb (Luke 1: 41-44) and a newborn baby (Luke 2: 16), for Christ's incarnation was recognized from the time of conception.

Thus, it is evident that the Bible affirms the personhood of the fetus from conception, and that God is actively involved in fashioning the fetus from conception. HE knows us even before our conception. If a man kills the fetus, then it's not only equivalent to killing a full human being, but it's also equivalent to rebelling against God's design of a human from conception (cf. Exodus 20: 13). Man sins when he rebels against God. Since abortion is a sin against God, a man should not abort his unborn baby."2

Christian Q&A website, Got Questions, states that a Bible-believing Christian cannot remain in the pro-choice group, "The Bible is clear that all human life is created by God for His purpose and His pleasure (Colossians 1:16), and a Christian who truly wants to know the heart of God must align his or her viewpoint with God's. When we start justifying evil according to our understanding, we dilute the truth of God's Word. When we rename adultery an "affair," homosexuality an "alternative lifestyle," and murder of the unborn a "choice," we are headed for serious trouble. We cannot redefine what it means to follow Christ. Jesus said we must first "deny ourselves" (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23). Part of denying ourselves is letting go of comfortable lies the world has fed us. We have to let go of our own understanding and allow God to change us (Proverbs 3:5-6)...

... The Bible is clear: since God is the Creator of human life, only He can determine who lives or dies. And every person who claims the name of Christ has the obligation to make certain his or her views line up with His Word. Is it possible for a born-again Christian to be pro-choice? Yes. Is it likely that such a person will remain pro-choice? Not if he or she is allowing God's Word to transform and renew his or her mind (Romans 12:2)."3

If the Bible is against abortion, why do some Christians support abortion?

Fundamentally, the pro-choice Christian groups affirm the women's right arguments in favor of abortion. Some of these arguments are:

1. "women have a moral right to decide what to do with their bodies

2. the right to abortion is vital for gender equality

3. the right to abortion is vital for individual women to achieve their full potential

4. banning abortion puts women at risk by forcing them to use illegal abortionists