“Just as every person must be treated with respect, every woman should have the option to access abortion services”
BY PHILIP BALDWIN, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
For many people, Christianity and the pro-choice movement might seem at odds. I am a member of the Church of England’s parliament – the General Synod – representing the Diocese of London. I also believe bodily autonomy for women is a social justice and a right given by God. I support abortion. This is not incompatible with also caring about the life of the unborn child.
In November, I was asked by a YouTuber outside Church House about my views on abortion and I clearly stated that I would always support a woman’s right to choose. I was shocked to receive over 1,000 comments from around the world, mostly criticising my pro-choice stance. I made it clear to the YouTuber that my personal view, as an elected member of the General Synod, is that I would always support abortion rights.
Firstly, abortion is not even mentioned in the Bible. It is incorrect, therefore, to suggest that there is a binary situation where faith competes against women’s rights, and people have to choose between abortion or loving Jesus. Faith is positioned against women’s rights. It is not the case that people must choose between supporting women’s rights or loving Jesus. Simply put, both the Old and the New Testament are silent on abortion.
Secondly, the Biblical vision of a person begins with Adam and Eve, rather than discussing conception. Although it is impossible to say when life begins, it is my view that a foetus becomes a person at some point in the womb.
Doctors in the UK believe that at 24 weeks the foetus has a chance of survival – before then their lungs and other vital organs have not developed enough. Some doctors argue that 28 weeks would be a better time frame, as it is at this stage of gestation that there is a strong likelihood of survival. Sometimes, we need to reflect on what doctors and science can teach us as we interpret scripture and develop our understanding of faith.
Thirdly, as Jesus asks us to care for other people in the Bible, it is also clear that Jesus wants us to care for people who have abortions. Even from a pro-life perspective, Jesus asks us to love someone if they have taken the wrong decision but for the right reasons. There is no shame in having an abortion. While a timeframe of around 24 weeks makes sense, from both a Christian and medical perspective, it is also apparent from a Christian perspective that no woman should ever be criminalised for having an abortion and no health professional should be penalised for performing an abortion. God loves and cares about people who have abortions, just as much as he cares for all people.
For example, in Exodus, 21:22-25, the Covenant Code, a woman has a miscarriage. The woman passes away and equal emphasis is not placed on the death of the woman and the foetus. There is no parity. The death of the woman is the greater tragedy. Aborting a foetus in any circumstances where the life of the mother is endangered should not be controversial.
Having said that, I also do not want to undermine families who have children who are not able-bodied. They should be celebrated equally and have a unique contribution to make to the world.
Human dignity sits alongside the primacy of conscience and just as every person must be treated with respect, every woman should have the option to access abortion services.
Philip Baldwin is an LGBTQIA/HIV activist & writer.
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