1 in 5 Churchgoers Have Participated in an Abortion

A recent study from Family Research Council and the Cultural Research Center revealed something shocking and heartbreaking: “Nearly one-in-five churchgoers have paid for, encouraged or chosen to have an abortion themselves.” One in five (19%) have participated somehow in purposefully ending the life of a vulnerable child.

The study of American churchgoers found that:

• 43% “characterized themselves as ‘pro-life’ on the issue of abortion” (a huge decrease from 63% just three years ago!)
• 35% “considered themselves ‘pro-choice’”
• 8% “lean toward pro-choice but could be convinced otherwise”
• 7% “lean toward pro-life but could be convinced otherwise”

In other words, a large percentage of churchgoers do not have a biblical worldview when it comes to the sanctity of human life. Rather, these churchgoers have simply adopted the culture’s view (from the secular, thus anti-Christian, worldview) that children are a choice and their lives can be ended at the convenience of the parents—and 19% have acted on it!

And this isn’t just a problem in progressive or liberal churches, as you might expect. According to the official report, “There was no significant correlation between being born again, how often one attends church, or how frequently one reads the Bible and the likelihood of having had an abortion.”

Part of this problem is the silence of churches on this life-and-death issue. The study found:

• Only 41% of respondents “estimated that their church preached or taught about abortion in the weekend worship services several times a year”
• 23% “said their church never teaches about abortion”
• 13% “said such instruction was provided once a year”
• 12% said abortion is talked about “once every few years”

This isn’t some minor side issue. The lives of children made in the image of God are quite literally at stake, and the church is called by God to be salt and light in this culture.

So less than half of churches are actually teaching on abortion throughout the year. No wonder so many Christians are confused on the issue or simply have no idea what the Bible teaches about it (and that the Bible is very clear on it!). But this isn’t some minor side issue. The lives of children made in the image of God are quite literally at stake, and the church is called by God to be salt and light in this culture. How can the church shine light on this issue and work together to end this barbarous practice if Christians themselves don’t know what to think?

If you’re a pastor, I implore you to teach on this issue from the pulpit. Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is coming up soon (January 25, 2026) and provides a great opportunity to do so, but don’t limit it to just once a year—this vital teaching must be included throughout the year, woven into sermons as you faithfully preach through the Word of God and instruct your flock in a biblical worldview.

If you’re a parent, are you talking about this issue with your children? Are you raising them with a biblical worldview when it comes to the sanctity of human life? Ultimately, it’s your job to instruct your children in God’s truth. Are you taking that seriously? Or are you just assuming your children think biblically on this topic? Never assume that—it’s your job to ensure you have fulfilled your responsibility to teach the things of God to the children God has blessed you with.

If you’re looking for resources to help you build your own thinking on this issue or to equip your children or congregation, I encourage you to check out the “Sanctity of Life” page on our webstore or read the plethora of articles we have on the topic.

This issue isn’t confusing or biblically difficult—God’s Word is clear: Life begins at fertilization, and taking that life is murder, and it is wrong. But for those of the one in five who have participated in an abortion but have repented of their sin, there is forgiveness in Christ.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.