An unexpected pregnancy often brings fear and uncertainty upon women. Maybe it’s financial stresses, relational pressures, or anxiety about what the future might bring. This can all make abortion seem like the only way forward. As Christians, we are called to love one another. In this context, it is a call to surround these mothers with love and support, while helping guide them to choose life with hope rather than fear.
Scripture very clearly states that every human life is created with purpose and dignity. Psalm 139:13 declares, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” From our earliest moments of life, God is present and active. Yet, Scripture also makes it evidently clear that God’s concern extends to the mother’s well-being in addition to the children. We must be faithful and honor both.
Many women who seek abortions do not do so out of malice, but out of desperation. They may fear raising the child alone, losing financial stability, or facing judgment from others. Proverbs 31:8 instructs us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” and Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burden.” Supporting women to choose life means recognizing their struggles and helping them to carry them.
We read in the Bible many accounts of Jesus meeting people in moments of crisis with compassion, not condemnation. Jesus showed particular care for those who were vulnerable and overlooked. In the same way, the church must be a place where pregnant women find truth, understanding, prayer, and tangible help. This can be as simple as listening, offering encouragement, and affirming the worth of the woman and child. This can be life changing during a time of fear and confusion for the mother. James 2:16 warns against faith that offers words without action: “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is that?” Supporting a woman to choose life means helping to provide access to essentials such as prenatal care, baby supplies, housing assistance, childcare, etc. Ministries such as pregnancy resource centers and church-based outreach programs are vital expressions of this calling.
Adoption is another life-affirming option that should be presented with honesty and compassion. While we know parenting is a sacred responsibility, adoption can also reflect Christ’s love through sacrifice. Ephesians 1:5 reminds believers that we ourselves have been adopted into God’s family. Supporting adoption means caring for birth mothers, children, and adoptive families alike.
Being pro-life is about compassion for not only the child but also for the mother and the entire family unit. Showing them that motherhood, fatherhood, and the birth of a child are beautiful gifts from the Lord. Abortion should never have to be the answer. Micah 6:8 calls believers, “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” When the church lives out this calling, women are no longer cornered into choosing abortion, but they become empowered to choose life.
Recent legislative efforts could also help alleviate the pressures of an expectant mother and reflect life-affirming laws for the child. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, H.R. 6914, which the House voted on two weeks ago, seeks to protect pregnant and parenting students from discrimination and ensure they can continue their education. The MOMS Act and Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-New Jersey 4th) Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act aims to expand access to community-based resources and protect pregnancy centers that provide critical support to women in crisis. These policies could be life changing and prove how lawmakers can address the practical challenges surrounding unexpected pregnancies while upholding the sanctity of life.
Choosing to defend life makes us a witness in both word and deed. By standing with mothers and their children, the church upholds the sanctity of life and affirms that every life no matter how big or small is precious and deserves to be protected.
Madelaine Patterson is a Ronald Reagan Memorial Intern at Concerned Women for America.
