It is important for Christians to choose life. All humans are created by God and have intrinsic value. The default stance of the choose-life perspective is that abortion is wrong. To override the default requires making a case.
The welfare of a pregnant woman and the welfare of the fetus are usually in alignment. But they are out of alignment in three situations: 1) Continued pregnancy significantly threatens the woman’s health. The woman’s welfare takes precedence. 2) Pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. The victim should not be punished. 3) The woman has severe limitations, such as a severe developmental disability or severe drug addiction. Continued pregnancy threatens the welfare of both the woman and the fetus. In a situation where abortion has been justified, it should be done in the first trimester.
Pregnant women who are low-income need strong support, especially from government. Essential support includes medical care, financial assistance for food and housing, group support and professional counseling and parenting classes. These services must continue after the birth.
The work of society, and especially Christians, is helping people choose life. Laws that force a woman to continue a pregnancy are off the mark. To choose life in regard to abortion is a balanced Christian perspective, a moderate anti-abortion perspective.
Brent A. Koehn, Elkhart, Ind.
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.