My heart goes out to the women who have responded with hostility to my recent piece about elective abortion. The anger shown by some of them is painful to read.

Here are two comments that capture the tone of some of what’s been said:

• “You completely minimize the complications of pregnancy for your convenience to make is sound like pregnancy and childbirth is a walk in the park. I am not fooled …”
• “You want women to be brood mares for wealthy white people. Be honest. The only reason any kids who aren’t white get adopted is because no other kids are available. Your side will leave the dark-skinned and disabled kids to rot in orphanages.”

As to the content of their arguments, some of it very thoughtful. Here are some responses.

A Clear Comeback

1. At conception, a unique person comes into being. A person, not in the fulness of form or mind or organic maturity, but a person. To claim otherwise is to be at war with science.
2. In my article, I wrote, “Pregnancies can be difficult, inconvenient and painful. No one disputes this.” Maybe some of my critics missed this. I never would suggest that pregnancy and childbirth are “walks in the park.”
3. My critics are right that serious medical conditions can affect women during pregnancy. I did not address this adequately and regret not doing so. However, doctors can almost always save the life of the woman along with that of her baby. Yet, in rare instances, there is a genuine danger to the life of the mother. That is why I agree with a statement found on the website of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It said: “There is a fundamental difference between abortion, and necessary medical treatments that are carried out to save the life of the mother, even if such treatments results in the loss of life of her unborn child. We confirm that the prohibition of abortion does not affect, in any way, the availability of optimal care to a pregnant woman.”
4. One critic said that I have not presented the complexity of “bodily autonomy” but does not explain this. I say an abortion involves two lives. Two human beings, two persons. Each has equal value. While not separate during pregnancy — one lives in the body of another — they are distinct. Genetics, biology, and observation prove this.
5. As the adoptive father of three multi-racial children, I am offended by the comment about “dark-skinned and disabled kids” and “brood mares for white people.” Were the comments directed at persons of color, the public would send fast and furious charges of racism. And rightly so.
6. If abortion policy is returned to the states, (a) there be will many states that retain legal access to abortion-on-demand. Additionally, (b) in the states where it is illegal, the vast majority of women who want to abort their unborn children will be able to travel to places where they legally can do so. (c) Some medical professionals will perform abortions illegally; there has yet to be a society in history where crime does not exist. But should they do so, prosecution should follow rapidly. And (d), abortion is a relatively simple if potentially dangerous procedure. Even criminal abortionists would likely be competent at their sordid practice. This is especially true given the commitment of some “heroic” medical professionals to performing abortions regardless of the law. The idea of coat hanger abortions happening in every other back alley is fearmongering.

Stand Up for Humanity, Challenge Hypocrisy

My former colleague Cathy Ruse and I authored a booklet a few years ago titled, “The Best Pro-Life Arguments for Secular Arguments.” Cathy, formerly the senior counsel on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, is a senior fellow at the Family Research Council. I served there for more than seven years.

In our booklet, we argue that “the more abortion is understood, the more one realizes it is anti-human, anti-life, and anti-woman.” We cannot fail to stand by that deduction, if science and logic count for anything in today’s political and cultural climate.

As you watch TV, start looking for all the ads that talk about babies in the context of pregnancy. That show photos of unborn children using ultrasounds. That encourage women to get good prenatal care. With all the “women’s right to choose” talk, it’s impossible not to deal with the fact we’re talking about a baby. A small, developing life. A person.

To those women who have made comments about my earlier piece: You have every right to disagree, even though I believe you are wrong in every way. Please know that there is a loving God Who cares for you and offers you hope, healing, and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus. As someone who has received these eternal blessings, I can tell you they are real.

To those readers frustrated by the women mentioned above, show them kindness and respect when you respond. Cover them with prayer. Remember: “You were once darkness,” writes Paul to the Christians in Ephesus (5:8), “but now you are light in the Lord.” He opens eyes, and He alone.