Sanctity of Life

Many women, men and in fact families will face an unplanned pregnancy this year.  For a few this will be met with surprise, then joy as they anticipate what this new life will mean in their life.  However for too many this news will usher in a crisis.  This crisis will encompass thoughts about where their support will come from, how they will be able to provide for the needs of the neediest of individuals, an infant.  They will feel like they have no “choice” except the “choice” of an abortion.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973.  In response to the growing need of women to have true “choice”, Crisis Pregnancy Centers have emerged to support women when they feel like they are in a crisis due to an unplanned pregnancy.  They however are not just concerned for the vulnerable fetus, but for the woman in whose womb this fetus resides.  Even when the choice is made to have an abortion, that woman is still a concern for Crisis Pregnancy Centers. 

Post Abortion support groups are there for woman who has made the choice to abort, but still feels the ripples of the “crisis”.  For that woman the abortion didn’t bring her to a place of great relief.  It may have even stirred up another crisis, one of faith.  Post Abortion support groups are there to help this woman to obtain reconciliation with herself, her body, her maker.  These groups emphasize that she is more than just a container for a fetus, but is in fact a valuable individual herself.  As we recognize Sanctity of Human Life Sunday let’s not forget to offer support for those women who have chosen to abort in the distant or recent past, God’s love is also extended to them and he wants them to have a full and rich life in Him.

For more information on some of the challenges post abortive women face you can visit http://www.ramahinternational.org/post-abortion-syndrome.html/ .  Of course this is not true of all women who have experienced an abortion, but for those who are still struggling, there is hope and help.  Contact your local Crisis Pregnancy Center and ask if they are currently running a support group, or ask them to let you know if one is available locally, or if they themselves can start one.  The post abortive woman should be encouraged to seek and pursue their wellness, they are worth it!!