I recently participated in a pro-life outreach event at my university. Going into the event, I was a bit nervous, as there was certainly the potential for counter-protest and other forms of backlash. Thankfully though, my time at the event was fruitful and a great experience. I was primarily responsible for distributing pamphlets, but I also had the great pleasure of engaging a few individuals in conversations regarding their opinions on the abortion debate. I recall engaging with one student, where he asserted, among other things, that abortion needed to be preserved in the United States in cases where the mother is the victim of rape. This is a very common response, as many Americans – including those friendly to the pro-life position – believe there should be an exception to an absolute pro-life policy in cases of rape and incest. This “exception” is no exception at all; it attempts to emotionally manipulate the conversation so that abortion becomes the solution. However, we know from post-abortive women that abortion compounds the guilt and hurt. Pro-life apologists must understand how to address this salient situation.
First, any conversation regarding rape, especially as it pertains to the abortion case, must consider the weightiness of the topic at hand. Rape is an abhorrent sin and a tragic reminder of the depravity of mankind due to our rebellion against God. Most people will agree that rape is a terrible thing and that no one deserves that to happen. Furthermore, it is not the victim’s fault, rather the blame, guilt, and condemnation rest on that of the assailant. Addressing these common points of unity helps steer the conversation away from emotional antagonism, and allows a better understanding of the argument at hand.
I used this approach in my conversation, as I and the person talking to me both agreed on this at the beginning. From this point, we addressed the reality that when a rape culminates in a pregnancy, this creates a difficult situation for the mother, who is often alone in this situation. This is often another point of unity in the conversation, as both individuals demonstrate compassion and empathy towards the situation of another. Now the question remains: What does the mother do with her child? There are two options: The mother can carry and deliver the baby, choosing life, or abort the baby, choosing death. Now in my conversation, the other individual argued that the mother should have the right to abort, as it is incredibly difficult, burdensome, and painful for the mother to continue with the pregnancy. There is an aspect to this argument that seems “kind”, as one can only imagine the pain of a mother in this circumstance. Yet, here is where those who stand for life must demonstrate true kindness. If the mother chooses to abort, she is killing her child. The mother was a victim in the circumstance, but choosing to abort simply creates another victim in this scenario: the baby who is killed. Abortion in this case simply creates another victim and punishes the baby for something that he had no control over or choice. In the circumstance of rape, the rapist ought to be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law. There should be serious consequences for the evil that has been committed. But the child does not deserve any punishment in this circumstance. It is important to remember that every other pro-life argument still holds in the case of rape. For example, a baby conceived in rape is not less human or less valuable because of the circumstances which gave rise to his life. It is scientifically and morally clear that abortion kills a child, and that is equally true in the context of rape.
At this point in the conversation, the only unknown is what the mother will do when the baby is born. At this point, abortion is out of the question, so the mother may choose to put her child up for adoption, or raise the child herself, with a free conscience. Many courageous mothers choose to raise their children notwithstanding the obstacles they may face. There are equally courageous mothers who – in the best interest of their baby – find an adoptive family who is ready to welcome and raise her baby. Both options protect the child’s life. In my conversation, the other individual had not thought about the reality that abortion perpetuates the shame and victimhood of rape, and how it punishes the innocent child for someone else’s error. Not every conversation will lead to immediate mind change or even conversion. Some conversations may, and when that happens, it is a beautiful thing. Yet often, the best one can hope for is someone thinking through the pro-life position thoughtfully. Only God can change hearts; it is our responsibility to be agents spreading his truth.
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