The Biblical Role of Men in the Battle for the Preborn

The abortion issue is often touted as being one that solely concerns women. Especially on the pro-abortion side, the matter is almost always focused on how abortion only affects women and their (so-called) fundamental “right” to it. I’ll summarize by using the mantra that’s commonly heard at rallies, which usually goes something like this: “Abortion is a matter that’s only between the woman and her doctor.”

But where do men fit into that equation? Obviously, to conceive a child, a mother and a father are required! But how often do men (fathers) get an actual say in the abortion debate—having a right to address this issue as well? The pro-abortion side commonly chants “not their [men’s] body, not their choice” or “no uterus, no opinion” (unless, of course, those men are marching in support of abortion!). Does this mean that men need to simply “mind their own business” and remain silent? Abortion advocates are determined to deceive the world of this false claim.

Who’s the “Most Powerful Voice” for the Voiceless?

But it’s not just the pro-abortion side. The belief that women are the “most powerful voice” has become commonplace in the pro-life movement as well, with many viewing the movement as being driven by women. For instance, the author of one article wrote, “The pro-life movement has always been driven by women.”1

Furthermore, there was recently a roundtable discussion on the state of the pro-life movement with well-known evangelicals, and at one point in the discussion, one of the panelists stated:

I think as moms, especially, we can really powerfully connect with women who are in those experiences. We know what it feels like to be in that vulnerable position of pregnancy. It’s something that men frankly can never understand. I think the most powerful voices in the movement are from women.2

In other words, women have the advantage in speaking to other women on this issue because only women (mothers) can truly know the experience of being pregnant, and that women can reach women in a way that men cannot do.

Now don’t get me wrong, unlike men, women (especially mothers) really do have a special and unique way of reaching abortion-minded mothers. And it is absolutely a true statement that only mothers can understand what it’s like to carry a baby—a wonderful God-given feature gifted to women. So it is true that women really do have a very powerful voice for the voiceless. But does this logically mean that men don’t have as important of a voice simply because only women can be pregnant?

The Biblical Command to Protect Fatherless Children

Here’s the reality: Since our culture places the battle solely in the hands of women, men (fathers) are often treated as though they have no authority or voice in this ongoing war, but this is a cultural lie that must be rejected. Men are called by God to take responsibility, speak up, and protect the innocent—even when the culture tries to silence them . As a result of the culture’s lie, preborn children who are being taken away to death have essentially become fatherless orphans.

The Bible repeatedly speaks on fatherlessness and the mandate to protect children without fathers—even the Lord himself is a described as Father of the fatherless and the loving Father of all children who have been orphaned. Here are just a handful of examples from Scripture (emphasis added):

He [God] executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. (Deuteronomy 10:18)
You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge. (Deuteronomy 24:17)
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless. . . . To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. (Psalm 10:14, 18)
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. (Psalm 82:3)
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. . . . Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow’s cause does not come to them. (Isaiah 1:16–17, 23)
Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. (Zechariah 7:10)

We could keep going with more verses, but I’m sure you get the point. Overall, God’s Word is crystal clear on how essential it is to defend the fatherless and how much he cares for them, promising protection for those who cannot protect themselves. And yet, he also commands us to do something about it, commanding everyone to work toward true justice for the fatherless. This command is especially relevant to men, as they are the protectors of society. Simply put, godly men are called to be protectors of the innocent.

Godly men are called to be protectors of the innocent.

But if we step back and look at the big picture, one main reason that innocent fatherless children are vulnerable prey and open to oppression is that they do not have the protection of a father—lacking a man who can speak for them, guard them, and ensure their protection. So contrary to the false belief of the culture, a man’s voice is a vitally important voice for the voiceless.

Sadly, there’s still far too many men who have bought into the cultural lie that only women are suited to speak to the issue of abortion, effectively removing them from the battle. And yet, the biblical marching orders given by God—to all men—is to rescue those being taken away to death and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter:

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work? (Proverbs 24:10–12)

God charges men with the important task of guarding and protecting innocent children from slaughter. Also note from this text, in verse 12, it says that no man will be able to excuse himself, saying “I didn’t know,” for God knows every man’s heart and will repay him for his actions. That is, God will judge every man who tries to evade his duty for the sake of laziness, comfort, or cowardice.

The Lack of Strong Male Leadership

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Another crucial role that men provide in this war is being able to directly speak to other fathers. The Bible makes it clear that fathers have the God-given duties of leading, providing for, and protecting their home and their children—which have been graciously gifted by our Creator. If you’re a father, then don’t miss this because this crucial responsibility cannot be taken lightly! Of course, not every father fails in his God-given duties. But sadly, we live in a culture where (in general) many fathers have not seriously taken their responsibility to properly bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, basically being “checked out” at home and allowing many sons and daughters to instead be discipled by a secular world that is in hostile rebellion against their Creator.

Men have not prioritized their fatherly duties—not laying down their life for their family, as commanded by Scripture (e.g., Ephesians 5:25), but rather joining those who have turned their hearts away from God and instead toward false worldly pleasures. Ultimately, this lack of strong leadership in the home has resulted in the collapse of families, and thus society as a whole. As the old saying goes: As goes the family household, so goes nations, and so goes the whole world.

So is it any wonder that our culture, which is filled with the blood of innocent children, is the same culture that does not value (or even promote) strong, godly, male leadership? No doubt, the sin of ignoring the fatherless is a horrible plague that’s infecting our culture, and sadly, it’s getting worse.3

It’s Time for Men to Step Up and Act Like Men

To help drive this point home, “In a survey of women who sought help after having an abortion, [a staggering] 83% said they would have carried to term if they had received support from the baby’s father. . . . In 95% of cases, men play a central role in the decision to abort.”4 These alarming statistics should really be a wake-up call for every father!

The only solution to this idolatry of self-worship is true worship of the living God—with men relying on God’s wisdom and strength to act as proper stewards and guardians in society.

In other words, there is a widespread epidemic of cowardly men who abandon their family, opting for selfishness rather than the kind of sacrificial love that’s required to lead and take ownership over the people in his care. And the only solution to this idolatry of self-worship is true worship of the living God—with men relying on God’s wisdom and strength to act as proper stewards and guardians in society. Bluntly put, we need men to start acting like men.

The Heartbreak of Abortion Affects Men (Fathers) Too

At the same time, there are fathers who do act like men and yet are truly powerless in certain situations. For instance, I’ve personally talked with fathers who have told me that even after pleading with the mother not to have the abortion, she refuses and later still has the procedure behind his back. Needless to say, fathers in those situations certainly feel a lot of emotional pain, anger, and grief for that tragic loss. Our hearts should grieve for any father in that kind of horrible situation.

Furthermore, according to one study, 71% of men said they experienced an adverse change in themselves after losing their child through abortion, meaning that the majority of men have experienced some level of negative impact, including depression.5 In other words, the heartbreak of abortion affects men (fathers) too.

Of course, the majority of women undoubtedly also feel profound emotional pain after having an abortion, so we shouldn’t downplay that reality. But here’s the takeaway: We must remember that for men, abortion is also catastrophic because it is the horrible loss of a child and the experience of fatherhood. To be clear, this is not the only reason for fathers to have a voice for the voiceless, but this does further reinforce the importance of men in this war.

More Men Need to Join the Front Lines of This War

In the end, it goes without saying that motherhood ought to be highly prized and honored. And there’s no doubt that women have a vital role in counseling and caring for mothers who are contemplating killing their child in the womb. But here’s the bottom line: Just because only women can be pregnant does not mean abortion is solely a woman’s issue.

Again, women are an essential piece in this war for the preborn. But the role and responsibility of men ought not be diminished—the importance of men in this battle cannot be overstated! In fact, I believe strong masculine voices and leadership are needed now (more than ever!) to protect the sanctity of human life in our land. And that’s why the pro-abortion movement continues to desperately try to silence the voice of men—and desires to keep it that way—because they know if more men start boldly speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves, their “legalized” child murder will be in serious jeopardy. So if we ever want to see victories in this war, the solution is simple: We need more men to join the front lines, fearlessly proclaiming biblical truth and courageously guarding innocent fatherless children from danger—no matter the cost.

So what does this look like in practice? Here are just a handful of ways to step onto the battlefield:

• Train your family and your church in biblical truth—build a culture of life.
• Stand in the gap for young fathers—disciple and equip them.
• Link arms with local pregnancy centers—be boots on the ground.
• Take a stand at abortion “clinics”—pray, speak truth, and be a visible presence.6
• Back equal-protection legislation—use your voice and your vote.7
• Fund the fight—support gospel-centered, front-line ministries defending life.8

And no, this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are countless ways to get in in the fight. Bottom line: No more excuses. No more sidelines. Men, it’s time to suit up and engage. So find where you can engage and do it with boldness.