ABORTION

We are living in a generation that is fundamentally at war over the family, and even more basically, over the value of human life. Statistics show that 40% of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion and by age 45, 30% of American women will have had an abortion.

It is Moral Revolution’s core belief that there is no such thing as an unwanted child. Below you will find the most common questions that we receive regarding abortion. This is by no means an exhaustive expression of our thoughts on the topic, but it will give you some guidance as to what we believe at our core.

WHAT IS ABORTION?

Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ABORTION?

Side effects may occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs. Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Complications may include:

Heavy Bleeding – Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, if the cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required. Severe bleeding is also a risk with the use of RU486. One in 100 women who use RU486 require surgery to stop the bleeding.

Infection – Infection can develop from the insertion of medical instruments into the uterus, or from fetal parts that are mistakenly left inside (known as an incomplete abortion). A pelvic infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization. It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs.

Incomplete Abortion – Some fetal parts may be mistakenly left inside after the abortion. Bleeding and infection may result.

Sepsis – A number of RU486 or mifepristone users have died as a result of sepsis (total body infection).

Anesthesia – Complications from general anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack, and in extreme cases, death. It also increases the risk of other serious complications by two and a half times.

Damage to the Cervix – The cervix may be cut, torn, or damaged by abortion instruments. This can cause excessive bleeding that requires surgical repair.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining – Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus – The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery may be required, including removal of the uterus (known as a hysterectomy).

Damage to Internal Organs – When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death – In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is rare, but is real.

Abortion & Preterm Birth – Women who undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significantly increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future.

ARE THERE ANY EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING AN ABORTION?

Yes, there is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in both emotional and physical health. For some women these negative emotions may be very strong, and can appear within days or after many years. Some women report the following: eating disorders, relationship problems, guilt, depression, flashbacks of abortion, suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, alcohol and drug abuse.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ABORTION?

Abortion, at it’s core, is the taking of another person’s life. The Bible is very clear about this. In Exodus 20:13, God tells his people, “You shall not murder.” Since human life begins at conception, then abortion by choice becomes premeditated murder.

IF A WOMAN BECOMES PREGNANT BY RAPE OR INCEST, DOES SHE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ABORT THE BABY?

Statistics show that less than 1% of abortions are administered due to rape or incest. The deeper question here is, does a child lose his or her right to live because of the way in which he or she was conceived.

WHAT IF I KNOW THAT MY CHILD IS GOING TO BE BORN WITH A DISABILITY?

Disability-discrimination abortion is similar to gender-discrimination abortion, where a particular child, initially wanted, is aborted because that child is a boy or a girl. Again, the deeper question is, does a child lose his or her right to live because of his or her potential disability.

IS THERE COUNSELLING AND HEALING AVAILABLE IF I’VE HAD AN ABORTION?

Absolutely, there is hope and healing available for you. We strongly encourage you to seek the Lord, professional counselling and/or support groups in your area. There may even be a small group available in your home church. You are not alone. We speak His mercy and kindness over you in your journey.

BEYOND ABORTION, WHAT ARE MY OTHER CHOICES IF I FIND MYSELF PREGNANT?

There are a ton! We strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider keeping your child, adoption, and/or inviting your church community into your process. We know this is probably a scary time for you and you may be feeling overwhelmed, but there is help and support available for you: relational, practical and financial.

WHERE CAN I GO TO FIND SUPPORT?

For help finding resources such as community referrals for housing, food, legal aid, medical care, counseling, WIC, Social Services, Nurse Family Partnership Program, education on topics such as prenatal care, nutrition, newborn baby care, breastfeeding, discipline, life skills, parenting, nutrition, finance, etc., consult your local pregnancy center.