Abortion is an oft-discussed and highly emotional issue. Even more so since the state of New York signed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law on January 22, 2019, the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. (You may read the legislation in full here: https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2019/S240)
Many who oppose abortion have taken to social media to voice their concerns and their condemnations of the law and of those who choose abortion. While I am a firm believer in the freedom of speech and of the value of every life from the time of conception onward, I believe there are better ways to show support for the unborn than causing an uproar on Facebook and Twitter.
However, I realize many are simply at a loss as to what to do to help. Attempting to change the law seems overwhelming and while prayer does work, it often feels like there should be something more tangible we can do. The good news is, there are many life-affirming ways to help families before and after the delivery room.
To clarify the issue and to provide resources to help you get started in your passion project, I have compiled several stats on abortion and 13 accompanying ways you can get involved in helping families choose life in your community. If you have additional resources to suggest, feel free to leave information in the comments section beneath this post.
- In the United States, nearly 1 in 4 women (23.7%) will choose abortion by the age of 45. https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2017/abortion-common-experience-us-women-despite-dramatic-declines-rates
- Help women who have experienced post-abortion trauma heal by leading a Surrendering the Secret study. Resources are available through Lifeway: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/surrendering-the-secret-group-use-video-bundle-P006108054
- Instead of spreading negative messages focused on the pain of abortion, share life-affirming options on social media by reposting messages from your local pregnancy resource center on your personal pages. To find a center near you, search here: https://www.care-net.org/find-a-pregnancy-center
- In 2014, 75% of those choosing abortion were low income—49% living below the national poverty level of $15,730 or less for a family of two or $29,820 for a family of four. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/characteristics-us-abortion-patients-2014
- Provide material resources to a pregnancy resource center near you. Centers are often in need of diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, furniture, toiletries, bottles, blankets, toys, books, etc. To find a center near you, search here: https://www.care-net.org/find-a-pregnancy-center
- Donate a monetary gift to a pregnancy resource center near you to assist in their daily operations and in marketing to those in need in their community.
- Volunteer to become a client advocate at a pregnancy resource center to assist parents in their preparation for childbirth and the months following. Additionally, you can help those in poverty or those with a felony on their record increase their job skills and find employment through volunteering with Jobs for Life or similar organizations.
- Organize a fundraising event on behalf of a pregnancy resource center near you to raise awareness of the need, to spread the word of the available resources, and to engage friends and family in supporting life.
- Approximately 59% of those choosing abortion in 2014 had at least one previous birth. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/characteristics-us-abortion-patients-2014
- Motherhood can be overwhelming. You can help by organizing a MOPS or Mother’s Day Out program, babysitting for a mom you know, or volunteering for an organization like Safe Families for Children to provide support to families going through difficult times.
- As many as 41% of those choosing abortion identify as Catholic or Protestant. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/characteristics-us-abortion-patients-2014
- Pregnancy can be a frightening thing, especially for those who have grown up in a faith that teaches the sanctity of human life. They may have feelings of shame for engaging in sex outside of marriage or fear of disappointing their parents or church families. Make sure church is a safe place to celebrate life no matter what the circumstance by…
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- Choosing uplifting language rather than words of condemnation in teaching and preaching.
- Supporting single mothers through material gifts, social gathering opportunities, and assistance with car and home repairs.
- Creating mentoring programs where older parents help younger parents navigate the early years of childhood.
- One of several primary reasons women gave for choosing abortion (74%) was that it would interfere with their education, work, or ability to care for dependents. (Finer LB et al., Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2005, 37(3):110–118, doi:10.1363/3711005.)
- Help women continue in their education, work, and dependent care responsibilities by providing childcare or assisting with meals and cleaning.
- Share positive stories of women who have overcome difficult circumstances on social media to encourage others to do the same.
- Nearly 40% of women choosing abortion stated they did not wish to raise any more children. Finer LB et al., Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2005, 37(3):110–118, doi:10.1363/3711005.
- For many, abortion seems a more logical choice over adoption or foster care because of negative experiences from their past or negative messages they hear about the system. According to the Adoption Network, there are approximately 480,000 children in foster care in the United States. Of those, more than 60% wait 2-5 years to be adopted and some never get adopted. You can help women choose adoption by becoming an adoptive or foster parent yourself. Through giving every child who needs one a home we can change our culture, making life a positive choice to be welcomed and celebrated.