Hate Hurts

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.