You’re Pro-life…Why?
I’ve made it a habit to engage pro-abortion arguers on social media and my blog. It’s good practice for me, and I genuinely enjoy the debates. You might think that’s a bit odd. But when you consider there is no logical pro-abortion argument, the chips are always stacked in my favor. What can I say? I like winning.
Chances are you’ve been engaged in a conversation about your pro-life views. If you haven’t, then I strongly encourage you to purposefully put yourself in that situation. It may be a friendly conversation with a co-worker, or a more contentious debate with a family member. But regardless of where or with whom, we should all be ready and able to rationally and calmly explain why innocent life is valuable and deserves our protection.
At the heart of the pro-life movement is the fact that every human being is unique, and every person has intrinsic value. There has never been—nor will there ever be—another person like you or me. (At least in my case, that’s a very good thing.) Each of us is one of a kind, created unlike any other human in all of history with our individual DNA, fingerprints, and genetic code. At Human Coalition, we convey this fact with the fingerprint on our logo. It’s inspired by the thumbprint of “Adeline,” one of the first babies we helped rescue from abortion who is an adorable 4½-year-old girl today.
Imago Dei
Though there are philosophical, ethical, and medical foundations for the pro-life ethic, the biblical arguments are very powerful. So we take this concept of human dignity a step further by validating that you and I are made in the likeness of God.
In all of creation, only human beings were made in the image of our Creator. “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness,” the Lord said (Genesis 1:26 NASB). So, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (1:27).
We refer to this image bearing in its original Latin, the imago Dei, which means to bear the marks of distinction, dignity, and divine purpose.
Every day at Human Coalition, we have the privilege of witnessing the imago Dei in the lives of the children we rescue from abortion. When a caregiver at one of our women’s care clinics or a participating life-affirming pregnancy center performs an ultrasound and shows the expectant mother her baby’s heartbeat, we are reminded that in prenatal development, God creates an awe-inspiring and wonderful work of divine—and living—art.
Oftentimes, these expectant mothers have convinced themselves that the babies they carry are just a clump of cells. (We have the media and the abortion industry to thank for that lie.) But the image of the baby on the ultrasound monitor and the sound of his heartbeat tell a different story. Growing within the mother is another human being who bears God’s image. King David understood this, saying in Psalm 139:13 that God “formed [his] inward parts…in [his] mother’s womb.”
Humanity Trumps Choice
Although Scripture unequivocally supports the intrinsic value of preborn children, many people will still ignore or, worse, deny the biblical mandate to protect life. They often respond with societal clichés about a “woman’s choice” or illogical arguments about the child’s “quality of life.”
But even from a secular worldview, we can defend our unwavering desire to protect every innocent life.
When a person states that women have the right to do what they want with their bodies, remind her that no human being (the mother) should be granted rights by the federal government that usurp the rights of another person (the preborn child). For example, I’m a staunch advocate of our freedom of speech, but that doesn’t give me the right to yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater and put others’ lives in danger.
Likewise, when your friend or family member argues that many children killed by abortion were destined for lives of poverty and hardship, remind them that there are millions of children who, although they were born into difficult circumstances, have gone on to lead successful and productive lives. In other words, difficult circumstances do not mitigate a child’s intrinsic worth, nor do they predetermine a child’s God-given potential.
Stay Tuned
I’ve only scratched the surface on the many ways you can convey your pro-life views. No doubt each situation will be unique. But if we equip ourselves with a basic understanding that all life is beautiful and is created in the image of God with divine rights that deserve protection, then we’ll go far in advancing a civil discussion about the most divisive issue of our day.
Next month, I’ll take this discussion a step further as we enter a multipart blog series to unpack the Four Points of Proof that make the case for life from a biblical, philosophical, scientific, and sociological perspective. So stay tuned for more on how you can convey your pro-life views using one of these four arguments.
In the meantime, if you’ve had an experience in which you successfully conveyed your pro-life beliefs, please share your story in the comments below. We can all learn from each other and spur each other on toward advancing the cause of LIFE.
How would you address a woman who has been raped and in the process conceived a child?
I’m asking because that is one that I am challenged to address. Would appreciate your insight.
RVS – Scott Klusendorf does a masterful job of addressing this question in his book, The Case for Life. The premise of his book is that we all must answer the question, “What is the unborn?” If preborn children are members of the human race, they deserve the same rights… Read more »
Hey, Brian! I’m pro-life, and I love your work! I just wanted to ask you how you address an argument like this: “Bodily autonomy means a person has control over who or what uses their body, for what, and for how long. It’s why you can’t be forced to donate… Read more »
Hi Haley – thanks for the questions. Scott Klusendorf deals with this argument very effectively in his book, The Case for Life, which I heartily recommend. There are several variations on this argument and there are a few different ways to address it. One way is to simply ask why… Read more »
You are incorrect, woman has the right to refuse to gestate. The fact that the embryo dies is unfortunate, but you cannot force a woman to have her body used as a host, that is a fundamental right. Since the embryo requires gestation, it has lesser rights than the woman… Read more »
Hi Brian thanks for the chance to sound off. I recently posted an interesting fact on my Facebook page. I have a lot of friends and family who take advantage of some devotionals that I forward on my Facebook page and I had to share that America has surpassed a… Read more »
Amen to that!
I had a rocky childhood and became pregnant at17( my daughter is now 16) her father and I married at our parents request I then had my disabled son at 19( their dad left at the responsibility) My third child was premature. I thank God for them every single day.… Read more »
I’m believing with you in prayer that abortion has totally ceased! That the hearts of women are so totally sensitive to life in their womb with no thought to even remotely consider aborting. My own Mother tried to abort me, but failed. Even though I wasn’t wanted, My Father God… Read more »
Amen… My grandmother tried to abort my mother… She quit halfway:)!
Glad she quit!
The simple fact that the pre born child is made in the image of God is reason enough to justify allowing it to be born!!
The biggest reason that people believe that killing a child in the womb is ok, is because they don’t believe in God. They don’t believe that God created us, the animals, the plants, this world, or the heavens. Most believe they can do whatever they want as long as it… Read more »
Thank you! I recently attended Pro-Life Day at my state capital. I spoke with my legislators. One said he was pro-life unless it “went too far” (mother’s life in jeopardy). I did respond and followed up with email. Do you have remarks that support the position that abortion is non-negotiable,… Read more »
Denise – this blog series will cover part of your question, though you might check out Deliver Us From Abortion also. (you can download it for free here http://www.prolife.org/deliver-us-from-abortion/ or buy it on our website). Klusendorf’s Case for Life is also a great resource. Be aware there is some disagreement… Read more »
Love It !
Isn’t there a verse about God “naming someone” before they were in their mothers womb ?
Fallopian Tube ??
Yes, that verse is Jer. 1:4-5
Great “helps” and in some ways I hope I can use your suggestions in other ways I hope this terrible waste of life is over with soon, when we get a new president and a right thinking Supreme Court,
Amen…
My experience with defending my pro-life views is that I have learned to keep it “light” and completely leave out any detailed arguments on the morality of the person arguing on the other side or anything about my own religious beliefs. Instead I stick to the ridiculousness of their assertion… Read more »
Katharine, please contact me at 602 866-7070 – my wife and I read your amazing story and want to know more.
Forget about the Bible too. No one even reads that nowadays. You want ne to live my life according to a 2000 year old narrative book which has no solid proof that God exists anywhere? Y’all on this site are so dumb… It’s like a lower tier of humanity. Have… Read more »
Tina, lots of folks read Confucious – I think he did his writing around 5,000 years ago. No one doubts what he said. As for the Bible, I have found it an excellent instruction book to live my life by. If you ever find a better one, please let me… Read more »
you are a ridiculously dumb, sheep-minded b***. I bet you believe in God and pray every night, right? And that must fall into your “logical outlook”. Well let me tell you. Not only are abortions an amazing service, they are a peace-of-mind for normal women who actually care about their… Read more »
Tina – we welcome opposing comments on the blog. If you continue to comment, however, do so in a respectful manner. I’d like to read some of your logical arguments if you care to share them. Name-calling and derision achieve very little and minimize the effectiveness of your arguments. And… Read more »
Tina, I often think of the approx. 30,000,000 females who have been killed by abortion since 1973. BTW, I’m thankful you weren’t one of them. They would all be women now but for abortion. Please remind me: who is accused of a “war on women” and why?? It is interesting… Read more »
A few year ago I wrote a book entitled “The Spiritual Process.” The book includes a chapter on the gestation process. It is available on SCRIBD, under my name or possibly the name of the fine lady that places all my writings out there (Sandra Crosnoe). You might be interested… Read more »
Some leading Democratic leaders passionately profess that they and their party are promoting Woman’s Rights to thier bodies (which includes murdering any offspring of theirs that have not yet seen the light of day!). In the same breath they boast that they are the most popular party with the black… Read more »
Pierre – thanks for the comment. Though the data shows that over 50% of black babies in New York City are aborted, the national average is around 34%. Your point is well taken, though – African Americans are very disproportionately killed in the womb, and the roots of racism and… Read more »
I am really proud to be a supporter of this ministry. God works through you. May he continue to bless you and give you further impetus to carry on day by day. God bless
Thanks Rowell, and thanks for your support!
Pro life to me means simply that it is abhorrent to kill unborn babies. Our bible (the 10 commandments) says not to kill. We should not have to be told, it should be part of our total makeup to value life as a precious gift from God, which it is.… Read more »
When I had returned from an overseas assignment (US Army Veteran), I was near instantly called a “baby killer” to which I had no understanding of what they were saying. That was many years ago and now I am very tempted to address them in the same manner. Just not… Read more »
Tis for sharing. Had discussion with good friend (and Christian I believe) whom I thought to be conservative in all matters. Wrong. I merely stated that I did not see how a Christian could vote Democratic with the Democratic Platform of abortion, gay rights (a misnomer) etc., notwithstanding the candidate.… Read more »
I know a conservative medical doctor who gave me a similar line – he believed that abortion should remain a private decision between a woman and her doctor. I gave him Dr. Bernard Nathanson’s book “In the Hand of God” where he describes how, as a non-practicing Jew and MD,… Read more »
This Christmas I got to meet my son that I had given up for adoption 25 years ago. I was surprised and quite overwhelmed. It was a big blessing, but I wish circumstances were better for everyone. I would like to give a shout out and big hug to the… Read more »
Wow how great is that! What a blessing to get reconnected after all of those years. Thanks for choosing life!!
Well mines only a little story… I have always told my little children when they ask where babies come from or how they get there that they come from God. Through a man and woman God creates a little sparkle in the mums womb which is the soul of the… Read more »
While representing a pregnancy center at a festival one year, I was approached by a young man and a couple of his friends – his encounter has stayed with me to this day. I will call him Andrew and he was a freshman in high school who expressed his pro-abortion… Read more »
Beautiful story and brilliantly handled. This is how it gets done – truth and love delivered with compassion and candor. And I’m glad you like the new name!
Is your Four Points series based on Klusendorf?
No, though his material has certainly influenced my thinking a great deal. His book The Case for Life is constantly on my lips and in my head. I used his SLED argument all the time, and have referred his book to more people than I can count!
I always tell students afer they ask me if I’m pro life or pro choice that I’m “pro responsibility.” You are responsible for nurturing the life you create. That involves maturity , dedication and commitment of your time and resources. Now if that is something you are not able or… Read more »
Thank you for more enlightenment My religious belief has been given me a strong stand against abortion- this is coupled by my educational background where I learned that life begins at pregnancy …life starts from the moment of conception
I recently got caught up in two different conversations rather unexpectedly. In both conversations the bottom line for the ladies I was speaking with seemed to be that not all babies should be allowed to be born. They were looking on children from the point of view of “burden” to… Read more »
Nancy – the first conversation you mentioned is a very popular argument. That worldview sees humans as tools of the state, to be used or disregarded at the whims of those in power. It is an extraordinarily dangerous position.
Looking forward to the next chapter. I’d love to FB so if you could format for fifth-grade reading level that would probably be helpful (sarcasm intended)! Like you I enjoy a good robust debate especially knowing that the opponents’ logic can be likened to a sieve. Great work, Brian!
I have been working in the Pro Life arena since 1987, sidewalk counseling for several years and also in Operation Rescue, back in the day. We have also made a booth we set up every year since then at the county fair. It is a great vehicle to ask people… Read more »
no theres never an exception to kill babies inside or outside the womb .our ancestors/ fore fathers saw this for what it was murder and evil and satanic. thats what satan does he goes after the weak the old and the defenseless and our uninformed and exploits them because satan… Read more »
Psalm 100:3, Know you that the Lord He is God, it is He that has made us.
Firstly A Big congratulations on your successful name change to Human Coalition. Our GOD be praised now and forever. Truly your work is very commendable and I admire your courage as well as your GOD given wisdom, knowledge and understanding in conveying the brilliant message you have to the whole… Read more »
Also like your name change because it incorporates more than just the unborn. Human Coalition also speaks to me of those who are “disabled” in some way, as well as the elderly.
“PRO-CHOICE” IS A MYTH. It is the result of a popular “non-sequitur” (Latin for “the conclusion does not follow the premise”). Women who believe they have a “right” to do what they want to with their own bodies, think they can have an unwanted baby aborted. This conclusion is wrong… Read more »
In our Christian growth classes at church, we are learning that God plants certain giftings and talents within each person. Each person has a role to play in the Body of Christ. When we deny a child their right to live, we are denying ourselves the privilege of being influenced… Read more »
Laura,
Thank you for this post. It is very beautiful and speaks to the heart.
ABORTION O how God cries, when one helpless baby dies. God doth truly hate, when we decide the baby’s fate. How are people so deceived, to destroy that which is conceived. What hath perverted our minds, to commit such a horrible crime? That innocent baby has its rights! If you… Read more »
this is so dumb. Honestly the fact that you’re so deep into religion scares me. Religion isn’t even real & it’s being poured into the minds of children every day, like brain-washing. I hope you all will be enlightened soon & see how ridiculous you sound with your christian arguments…… Read more »
Cris, I’ve been commenting here and haven’t mentioned God yet. Regardless of whether you believe in a Higher Power or not, don’t you think you are pretty special? How do your fingers move when your mind tells them to? How does your heart keep beating – and speeding up/slowing down… Read more »
There are better ways to take “care of yourself” than to have an abortion. Get informed.
Should be 1973 Roe v. Wade
In1963 Roe court did not have the technology that we have today such as ultrasound and DNA to prove that the unborn baby is not part of the mothers body but a separate living human being.
I am so blessed by your organization and believe deeply that all life is valuable and created for God’s very detailed plan and purpose. Conception is the beginning of a human being that is living regardless of where it has begun. (Mothers womb) We are not our own. Our bodies… Read more »
God called me to adoption before I had my biological children. I was married one year and was on a short term mission trip to the Dominican Republic. We were at a village located deep inside a sugar cane field. These people had nothing, but what they did have they… Read more »
Awesome story, Rachel, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, this has taught me how the last time I brought up the pro-life issue, I did it in the negative..” how bad we are to allow it” , I think now I should start with positive about how valuable each child make in God’s image is,… Read more »
I haven’t had the pleasure of arguing the case for pro-life yet, but I have given money for the cause and pray regularly for those contemplating abortion. I’m glad your organization is doing so well. I would love to give a donation to the cause. If you would be so… Read more »
Hi Mary – thanks very much in advance for donating. Bill will reach out to you shortly. Blessings –
I’ve engaged rather extensively in FACEBOOK back-and-forth ‘discussions.’ It seems some pretty intense things have been said against me. Interestingly enough, just last night someone was telling me on the phone I might want to sound nicer since potential employers probably check social media (and I’ve been unemployed for about… Read more »
Don, I often encounter AfricanAmericans at a homeless shelter where I volunteer. Of course, they are big “black lives matter” folks and want to convince me as well (a white guy who interfaces with them) and so I tell them, “Yes, I believe black lives matter and will support you… Read more »
I just viewed the HC ad on YouTube.
It was magnificent.
John – glad you liked it. Keep sharing so others will see it!
May the Lord continue to bless your sacred ministry on behalf of the unborn!
For a believer, the baby created in the image of God is a good argument. Another, maybe stronger one is that a baby just to be born certainly already has a soul and, going backward, actually right from conception; therefore, abortion forces God to send that pour soul to limbo.… Read more »
Thank You, I hope you provide more common sense help for us who believe pro-life is Gods choice.
One of my greatest joys was when I convinced a young unwed mother not to have an abortion because her family was so angry they were going to put her out She also thought it was a punishment for the father of the baby who was married and had a… Read more »
Amen!
that is sooo depressing. she should have gotten the abortion and cared about her parents more than some creepy old priest. I hate these religious arguments it’s like trying to talk to dogs on this website. You guys’ mindsets are just so behind where they should be. Get over it… Read more »
Tina, I was looking for an argument amidst all the derogatory bashing, and I guess I found one… You’re saying that the fetus doesn’t exist? I fear that I don’t quite understand your argument. The preborn react to external stimuli and are constantly growing and developing dynamically; ultrasound technology is… Read more »
Thank you for this information! It is so needed.
Making arguments from a Biblical perspective with people who do not believe in the Bible as the word of God gets a Christian nowhere in an argument on abortion. We have to come at it initially with secular arguments and then steer the discussion to evangelism so we are not… Read more »
Tom – to some extent I think you are correct. However we’ll be looking at medical arguments, ethical arguments and social arguments for the pro-life worldview also, all of which support the biblical arguments.
#$^& your salvation no one needs “enlightenment”. God is just a construct of your mind to help you copenwith how incredibly weak you are. I hope you know your “pro-life movement” will never get anywhere cause there are too many logical people on this Earth and we don’t listen to… Read more »
Tina, there are converts to the pro-life side every day – hundreds if not thousands. Amazing when young people (high school & college) see the “products of conception” taken out during an abortion, they IMMEDIATELY recognize it as a baby. Once they see that, many become pro-life and never return… Read more »
every one needs to live. there are good people to make sure it is done.