Recently, political scientist Michael J. New described the results of
what’s being called “the largest known in-depth interview study
of American attitudes on abortion” as “nuanced.” A better term
would be “complicated,” or maybe even “not-at-all coherent.”
Abortion,” not only sought to determine what Americans believe
about abortion, but why they believe it and which factors influenced
those beliefs. Anyone who opposes abortion and is committed to
protecting the preborn can learn much from the results.
For example, I found it fascinating that, according to the study, most
Americans are simply not “particularly knowledgeable about the
details of abortion.”
Those of us neck deep in the issue may find it unbelievable that
anyone could be “unfamiliar with basic facts about fetal development
or public policy,” or what Roe v. Wade actually did to America, or where
state abortion laws currently stand. But many are, which makes the
task of education, especially about the science and politics of abortion,
a priority for pro-lifers. In fact, data suggests that many Americans
would be shocked to learn how permissive our nation’s abortion laws are.
Another lesson to learn from this Notre Dame study is that we must
do a better job publicizing the “life-affirming work done by the
thousands of pregnancy help centers in the United States.” Much of the
support for legal abortion is based on the fear “that children born after
unintended pregnancies would be neglected,” and that “women would
be adversely impacted by carrying an unintended pregnancy to term.”
In other words, people are simply unaware that these old arguments,
which date back to even before Roe itself (i.e., “who will care for these
women and children”), have been substantially answered in incredible
ways by pro-lifers everywhere. Easing concerns about whether help is
available for women in unexpected or crisis pregnancies will be essential
to any effective pro-life apologetic.
The most important lesson from this study, however, is just how deeply
moral relativism is shaping the abortion debate. Though a large percentage
of Americans dislike abortion, they are uncomfortable with making
abortion illegal. The data is incredible. Even those who think that
abortion should be legal know that something is wrong with it. And yet,
they simply can’t imagine an alternative to the status quo.
“Successful pro-life outreach to this group,” New suggests, “is the key
to creating a durable pro-life majority that will restore legal protection
to the unborn.”
In other words, in addition to the beautiful and brilliant work of caring
for children and women in crisis, work the pro-life movement has
excelled in for decades, we have to learn to make the case for life.
By “we,” I mean “you” and “me.” We need to know the science
surrounding abortion, so that “they” will know the science is on the
side of life. We need to know how embryology and ultrasounds have only strengthened the case for the humanity of the fetus.
The case is incredibly strong, in fact, but, as this study reveals, we
can’t assume that Americans know. And if they know, we can’t assume
they’ve connected the dots to the immorality of taking innocent preborn
lives.
The case that abortion is wrong must be made alongside the case
that abortion should be illegal, and not just by the “pro-life
professionals.” If the Supreme Court manages to overturn
Roe v Wade, and we should pray it does, the status and safety
of preborn children will be decided on a state-by-state basis.
Local law matters when it comes to abortion as much or even more
than national law. After all, the law is a moral teacher. Many Americans
think abortion should be legal simply because it is. That’s why
pro-abortion forces oppose any restriction on abortion whatsoever
as outrageous infringements on women. They must not allow a
pro-life foot in the door.
Those of us who care about the unborn must help people know what
they should know about abortion so they can make the connections
they currently aren’t making.
The next Colson Center online short course, to be offered in September,
will help you do just that. Pro-life apologist Scott Klusendorff will, over four successive Tuesdays, equip you to defend life and oppose abortion.
Learn how to make the case for life with others in less than a minute.
Learn the five bad ways people argue about abortion, how to answer
objections to the pro-life position clearly and persuasively, and how to
take the next (or maybe even first) step to putting your convictions to action.
Come to BreakPoint.org to register for our next short course:
sessions are recorded for your review, or in case you need to miss a live
class session. Again breakpoint.org.
