The Absent Truth in New Abortion Laws

Abortion remains one of the most heated and controversial issues in the United States and around the world. Different perspectives have been showcased recently on the global stage. New Mexico signed into law a bill that repeals not only the state’s 1969 abortion ban, but also does away with protections for hospitals and healthcare workers who have religious, moral, and ethical reasons to refuse performing abortions.

Conversely, in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law a ban on nearly all abortions. Called the fetal heartbeat law, the ban bars abortions once the developing baby has a heartbeat (often at six weeks, before the mother usually knows she’s pregnant), with the exception of pregnancies arising from rape, incest, and other extreme cases. Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit, claiming the ban is unconstitutional. (As of this writing, the bill remains locked in an appeal process.)

Across the ocean, anti-government protests erupted in Poland after the country’s highest court further tightened its restrictions against abortion. The predominantly Catholic nation is largely conservative but faces heavy backlash from progressives who claim the restrictions will erode democracy.

Because chaos and confusion surround the abortion debate, we must look to God’s Word for clarity and truth. While there seems to be good news and bad news, even the most restrictive abortion bans still allow for morning-after pills, other early abortions, and abortions of special cases, all devaluing the sanctity of human life. As Christians, we must point people to the authority of God’s Word, which teaches that life starts at fertilization and humans are made in the image of God. Without that standard for the sanctity of life, people will do what is right in their own eyes and lean on their own understanding.