Hate.
Hate is something that is way too often a part of the
pro-life movement. Though you may more
readily expect it from pro-choicers, those who fight for life sometimes use hate as a part of arguments
that they make.
Animosity is regularly used against those who work in the
abortion clinics and Planned Parenthood facilities themselves. Executives, doctors, and assistants are on
the receiving end of much anger. Though anger aimed at abortion and the people who perform it is justified, workers will never leave the clinics if they do not feel that there is hope for them if they do. When was the last time that a long-term battle was won using
hate? Yes, of course it is necessary to
express that we disapprove of what abortion workers do. One of the biggest problems in America is
that people do not stand for what is right and against what is wrong, so our
position should be clear! But we can
show our beliefs without being hateful.
Truth is necessary, but so is love.
As a Christian, I believe that it is important to show God’s grace and
love to everyone, including those with whom we disagree. We need to pray that the abortion workers
will recognize what they are doing as a truly terrible thing, and that they
will have the courage to get out of their current situation.
Once these workers do get out, they will likely experience a
lot of guilt. As pro-life advocates, we
should also be promoters of love and forgiveness. The pro-life leader who inspires me the most
is Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood employee who changed her path and
now fights for the unborn. Testimonies
like that have such an impact, and we should encourage former abortion workers
to share their stories and join our fight.
If we approach them with love and grace, they will be so much more
likely to do so. I really appreciate the
ministry of “And Then There Were None”, a pro-life outreach that seeks to get
abortion workers out of the industry and then help them find healing. You can learn more about this great ministry
at abortionworker.com.
Mothers who choose to abort their babies are also the
recipients of hate and disgust. People
throw accusations, point fingers, and assign guilt. What they may not realize is that these women
are already living with guilt. Many of
them made the decision to abort because they felt that they had no other
choice. Especially if they received
counseling at a Planned Parenthood facility, they may not have had other
options presented to them. They could
have felt that financial or emotional reasons would prevent them from raising a
child, or they may not have thought that they were ready for motherhood.
Even though the choice to abort her baby was wrong, and the reasons behind her decision are not justified, the
woman needs love and support much more than she needs judgment and
condemnation. Like the clinic workers,
this woman needs to hear of the healing grace that Jesus can provide. She needs counseling, prayer, and restoration. We need to love the mother just as much as we
love her unborn child.
The church needs to take a stand on the abortion issue. A firm and vocal stand.
But in addition, the church needs to offer counseling and support for
anyone who needs it—including reformed abortion workers and the women who went
to see them. If we really pour into hurting
people, we will likely raise up even more advocates for life. Hate does nothing to further our cause; it only hurts it. We need to say a constant prayer for those involved in the abortion industry. Only through the right balance of truth and love will we move forward and accomplish great things for the pro-life fight.
