When Does Life Begin? The Question Abortion Advocates Avoid

The Question Abortion Advocates Won't Answer

Abortion is a highly contentious issue that has divided people for decades. Proponents of abortion argue that it is a woman's right to choose what happens to her body, while opponents argue that the life of the unborn child must be protected. Despite the heated debates, there is one question that abortion advocates refuse to answer: when does life begin?

The Importance of Answering the Question

The question of when life begins is crucial to the abortion debate. If life begins at conception, then abortion is tantamount to murder. If, on the other hand, life begins at some point later in the pregnancy, then abortion may be considered a legitimate medical procedure. Therefore, it is essential to determine when life begins before deciding whether abortion is morally or ethically justifiable.

Abortion advocates refuse to answer the question of when life begins because doing so would expose the moral ambiguity of their position. Instead, they resort to slogans and soundbites, such as "a woman's right to choose" or "reproductive health," to avoid addressing the central issue.

The Scientific Answer

Scientifically speaking, life begins at conception. At the moment of fertilization, a new life is created with a unique genetic makeup. From that point forward, the developing embryo is a living, growing, and self-directing organism.

Modern technology has made it possible to observe the development of the embryo from the first moments of conception. The embryo exhibits all the characteristics of life, such as growth, metabolism, and response to stimuli. It is clear from a scientific standpoint that life begins at conception.

The Biblical Answer

The Bible provides a clear answer to the question of when life begins. Psalm 139:13-16 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

These passages make it clear that life begins at conception. God creates each individual life in the womb, and each life is precious and valuable in His sight.

The Ethical Implications

If life begins at conception, then abortion is ethically and morally unjustifiable. The taking of innocent life is always wrong, regardless of the circumstances. A woman's right to choose does not extend to the right to take the life of another human being.

Some argue that abortion is justifiable in cases of rape, incest, or threat to the mother's life. However, these situations do not change the fact that the developing embryo is a living human being. The circumstances of its conception do not diminish its inherent value as a human life.

Furthermore, abortion has numerous negative consequences for women, including physical and emotional trauma. It is not a simple medical procedure but a complex issue that has far-reaching implications for individuals and society as a whole.

The Alternative

Instead of advocating for abortion, we should promote a culture of life that values and protects every human being from conception to natural death. This means providing support and resources to women facing unplanned pregnancies, promoting adoption as a positive option, and valuing the lives of the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of every human life, from the unborn to the elderly. We must speak out against the culture of death that has taken hold in our society and work to build a culture of life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The question of when life begins is a crucial one that abortion advocates refuse to answer. However, the scientific and biblical evidence is clear: life begins at conception. As Christians, we must stand up for the sanctity of every human life and work to build a culture of life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God.