Each year as I focus on Jesus, the Babe in a manger I have the same thoughts about abortion and the wicked loss of life and potential, that just can't be measured.
Last August, the high court of Ireland ruled on the right to life of an unborn child. The judgment was made in a judicial review of a deportation order. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys spoke about the 'significant' rights and legal position at common law, which he explained goes 'well beyond the right to life alone.' We know the Father protected Jesus but who will protect the babies we choose to abort?
The Justice highlighted Article 42a of the Constitution which obliged the State to protect 'all' children. In his comment Humphreys said the 'unborn' is 'clearly a child' and therefore Article 42a applied to all children 'both before and after birth.'
Niamh Ui Bhrain of the Life Institute called the ruling significant. "This is an important ruling which provides useful clarity at a time when the media and abortion campaigners are arguing that preborn children should be denied even the most fundamental right – the right to life," she said.
Evangelicals
It is not too far a stretch to suggest Donald Trump became President of the United States because Hillary Clinton championed late-term abortions. The Trump triumph was energized by a massive evangelical vote. He aggressively opposed late-term or partial birth abortions and Hillary did not.
During the presidential debates, moderator Chris Wallace asked Hillary Clinton specifically. "You have been quoted as saying the fetus has no constitutional rights," he asked. "You also voted against a ban on late-term, partial-birth abortions. Why?" Clinton defended partial-birth abortion by highlighting the health and well-being of the mother. She in fact toed the party line.
Grazie Pozo Christie, a doctor who sits on the advisory board for The Catholic Association, said Mrs. Clinton's stance on abortion is out of line with the majority of Americans. "Hillary Clinton continues to play exclusively to the minority of the American electorate that shares her radical stance on abortion," Ms. Christie said. "Pressed on what limits on abortion she believes in, Mrs. Clinton could not come up with a single one."
As the countdown to Trump, gathered momentum some sent urgent messages to pregnant women to get onto their abortion 'ASAP' as 'Trump is gonna take away your rights soon" one warned. Another contributor messaged "Thinking about making my last affordable and legal appointment right NOW!"
Reagan
There is no doubt this is a sensitive and touchy topic with passions high on either side of the debate. Former US President Ronald Reagan famously said, "I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion, has been born!"
The abortion debate most often withdraws to two camps (a) the right of the mother to choose and (b) the right of the baby to live.
The renowned author and teacher Rev John Piper spoke on this issue. "I want to publicly confess a great blindness and indifference and apathy in my own life and ministry. I am in no position to point my finger at any of you. I bear a great responsibility as a leader. My silence has been more shameful than yours. I am praying now that I would be forgiven and granted another chance to do my part in ending 'the silent holocaust' of abortion." (January 9, 1989).
Many preachers find it difficult to address abortion. The Bible is not so shy. Clearly we read: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139 verse 13).
Throughout my years counseling wounded or hurting people I have turned to that verse. Orphans, some born out of rape, burdened teens and adults must realize that they are not here by accident. The Father knew them. He had his eye on them. They are never alone. He numbers the hair on your head. We can shake off doubts and fears and walk joyfully in the gift of life He so gracefully grants.
John Piper said: "We kill marriages and we kill unborn babies because they cut across our desires; they stand in the way of our unencumbered self-enhancement. And we live in a culture where self-enhancement and self-advancement is good. And if self-enhancement is god, then the One who is at work in the womb shaping a person in his own image is not God and the assault on his work is not sacrilegious, but obedience to the god of self."
Why do we accept the word abortion rather than 'murder'? How easily we fall into worldly deception and away from the bible?
There is a group in America who belligerently complained that pro-lifers used the word 'holocaust' to describe the growing number of abortions. "The victims of the Holocaust and slavery were actual human beings with thoughts and feelings," they say.
Exactly my point!
Ron Ross is a Middle East consultant for United Christian Broadcasters (Vision FM). Previously he was radio news editor for Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, Israel.
His career started at WINTV (Email: ronandyvonne@mac.com)
Ron Ross' previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/ron-ross.html