secular

Babies Begin at Conception: The Truth About Planned Parenthood

Abortion has often been seen as a political issue intended to be rare, but it’s become a more common method of birth control, especially among minority groups. Since the feminist movement and the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, some have considered abortion a serious crime. As Americans continue to be divided, more people see the issue as a moral concern rather than merely a political one. There was a time when America regarded the Bible as the standard and God as the ultimate truth. Over the last 50 years, shifting values—particularly regarding abortion—have contributed to a decline in faith and family values. While the United States, India, and China report the highest abortion rates, about 24 countries, including Nicaragua, the Philippines, Egypt, Malta, and Haiti are pro-life.

Historical

The belief that life begins at conception isn’t new; for centuries, philosophical and theological perspectives have held this view, and in recent times, science has confirmed it. Plato supported population control and eugenics, while Aristotle believed unhealthy or deformed children should be disposed of. Jerome and Augustine couldn’t determine when a fetus transitioned from “formatus” to “informatus,” marking ensoulment. Tertullian held that body and soul began together at conception, whereas Aristotle claimed the soul entered the embryo 40 days after conception for males and 90 days for females. Tertullian viewed the seed as the potential person with the fruit already in its seed. Aquinas believed God created the soul with a mind at the moment of conception, coinciding with the embryo’s first formation. While science can’t confirm “sequential substantial changes” in fetal stages, modern philosophy aligns with natural science in recognizing that the ovum—the initial union of sperm and egg—contains the genetic code that guides the entire psycho-physical development of a human being (Czacorowski).

God is Truth

God is the ultimate scientist, and the universe is a product of intelligent design rather than random chance. The cell’s complexity and its ability to regenerate show the intentional work of a sovereign God, who ordains everything, including egg fertilization, no matter the circumstances. While this can be hard to fully understand with our limited minds, there’s much we do know. God says, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26) and commands us to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). From the very beginning with Adam and Eve, God entrusted humans with bearing His image, caring for the earth, and ruling over all living things (Genesis 2:28).

Children are treasured gifts from God, who has known each of us since the beginning of the world, even before time itself began. Psalm 139 describes how God formed our innermost parts and knitted us together in our mother’s womb, making us fearfully and wonderfully made. America’s stance has often reduced early stages of a baby’s development to just a clump of cells, despite evidence showing otherwise: by 17 days, the heart beats; at 6 weeks, brain waves are present; at 8 weeks, organs are forming and the baby responds to touch; by 9 weeks, fingerprints, genitals, toes, and fingers are formed; and between 12–20 weeks, the baby can feel pain, kick, grab, suck, and even cry in the womb.

Many Christians see abortion as one of the gravest sins in this fallen world, viewing it modern-day child sacrifice. For decades, America has been drifting away from God, creating a culture where truth is manipulated and right is seen as wrong. When sin is ignored, it leads to deeper moral decline, as scripture says, “…just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness…” (Romans 1:28-29). Sin first entered in Genesis 3, giving humans a sinful nature—“None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 14, 53).

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is known as the largest provider of abortions. It should not be viewed as a health center or pro-woman because nothing represents womanhood more than having a child. Women that have had abortions experience guilt, promiscuity, drug use, alcoholism, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which is clearly not being pro-woman. Most of Planned Parenthood’s services are reportedly abortions, along with other offerings like STD testing and birth control that are used to disguise abortions in order to obtain federal funding and be viewed in a positive light. Planned Parenthood also provides hormone therapy for gender transition, including for minors. They will avoid showing women a sonogram, as seeing the baby on the monitor will more than likely make them choose having their baby. Planned Parenthood’s significant portion of its work and revenue comes from surgical abortions and abortion pills like mifepristone. Costs for procedures range from about $350–$600 for the abortion pill (5–10 weeks), $320–$600 for suction D&C (5–14 weeks), $500–$2000 for dilation and evacuation (15–24 weeks), and $4000–$15,000 for third-trimester abortions (25 weeks to birth). Many of Planned Parenthood clinics are in lower-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods, a decision linked to its founder, Margaret Sanger. Sanger supported eugenics, believed Black women had too many children, and aimed to reduce the Black population. She considered them inferior, had ties to the Ku Klux Klan, and spoke at a Women’s Auxiliary rally in New Jersey advocating birth control. Her eugenics ideology even influenced Adolf Hitler’s views on eradicating the Jewish people.

Abortion Statistics

The highest number of abortions is 1,032,100 in 2023. Women having abortions are not due to rape or incest which accounts for <.05%. Statistics show abortion as result of it would “dramatically change my life” at 74% (Finer, Frohwirth, Dauphinee, Singh, & Moore). In the 1970s and 1980s when fetal alcohol syndrome was recognized, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) was considered a medical reason suggesting ATOD acceptable in terminating pregnancies (Roberts, Avalos, Sinkford & Foster); with 1 out of 20 women claiming ATOD as the reason (Roberts). During this time, cautions surrounding alcohol consumption and its effects on pregnancy may have resulted in many women assuming something wrong with their baby after learning they were pregnant after having consumed alcohol (Roberts, 2012). Other and more recent data show “more than 1 in 8 U.S. women” living in poverty, and “76% of abortions occur[ing] among women at or below 200% of the federal poverty level” (Oberman). It is worthy to note an increase in contraception is likely responsible for the 13% decline of abortions from 2008 to 2011 (Jones & Jerman).

PSALM of King David
For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)

God is Love, Love is Freedom, God is Freedom

God is freedom, giving humans the will to choose, including whether to love or reject Him. Instead of turning to Planned Parenthood, women can seek help from churches and other outreach organizations. Many ministries support women before, during, and after their baby’s birth, such as SIDEWALKS4LIFE.COM, ABORT73.COM, ABORTIONDOC.ORG, LIVINGWATERS.COM, ABORTIONPROCEDURES.COM, TINYHANDSBOOK.COM, ABORTIONNO.ORG, HH76.ORG, and ABORTIONWORKER.COM. There’s a misconception that pro-life organizations try to force a woman to have a baby or judge and shame her, but that’s not true. These groups don’t convince or coerce; they offer education about the life growing within her and the God who has blessed and loves her. Whatever her choice, the church or pro-life ministry will continue to stand by her.


References
Czachorowski, M., (2018). Abortion in The Universal Encyclopedia of Philosophy, volume 7.Studia Gilsoniana 7, no. 4: pages 567-578. Retrieved From http://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.desklight-d3998022-9494-40a6-bb41-9232cc491178.
Finer LB, Frohwirth LF, Dauphinee LA, Singh S, & Moore AM. (2005). Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 37(3), 110–118. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=106545873&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Jones, R. K., & Jerman, J., (2017). Abortion Incidence and Service Availability In the United States, 2014. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 49(1), 17–27. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1363/psrh.12015.
McQuilkin, R., & Copan, P. (2014). An introduction to biblical ethics: Walking in the way of wisdom (3rd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN-13: 9780830828180.
Oberman, M. (2018). Motherhood, Abortion and the Medicalization of Poverty. The Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics 46: 665-671. doi: 10.1177/1073110518804221.

Christians Living in the Secular World

Church and State

Church and state should remain separate, even though they’ll inevitably influence each other. By His amazing grace, God has given us the Bible—a timeless and powerful guide that offers wisdom for every situation. While matters like health or economics are important, the Bible doesn’t outline a specific economic system or medical rules. Instead, God provides what we need for salvation and to live out the Christian faith in any circumstance we face in the world.

Church and State are meant to be separate. Humility is central to living as a Christian, reflecting the light of Jesus by fostering relationships in a community without rigid hierarchies, which contrasts sharply with the world. The Church aims to transform people from within, where the heart is shaped by love and humility without forcing its beliefs or morals on a secular society. Secularism is seen as placing human reason over divine revelation as the basis for morality. In secular culture, people often embrace whatever “truth” they choose, prioritizing self-love and personal happiness. Then there’s Immanuel Kant’s view, a philosophy that attempted to reconcile religious belief and rational, secular thought. He embraced both perspectives, arguing that morality should be grounded in duty—doing good simply for its own sake—without placing emphasis on divine influence or personal growth as a human being. Jesus taught, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), showing that even rulers answer to God. Scripture repeatedly encourages being good, law-abiding citizens and praying for leaders (Matt 17:27; Titus 3:1). Apostle Paul in Romans 13 urges respect for governing authorities since all authority comes from God, and warning that resisting them means opposing God’s order. It’s worth noting that if a Christian feels they’re being asked to go against their Bible-based beliefs, there are ways to respectfully refuse. In short, a true believer cannot follow both God’s kingdom and the worldly kingdom.

Church Over State

During Roman rule, Jesus steered clear of political protests, focusing instead on teaching trust in eternal values and promoting a peaceful life in an imperfect world. Protesting the government can create a mob mentality that leads to unrest, chaos, and riots which goes against God’s nature. To support the oppressed and mistreated, the Church has many ways to take action—both locally and globally—through voting, outreach, and legislative efforts to change civil laws. For example, voting is one of the simplest ways a Christian can influence culture. Christians aren’t meant to hide away or live in isolation from the world. They can make their voice heard by choosing leaders who uphold biblical values, while recognizing that everyone is imperfect. It is not wise for Christians to take part in disruptive or loud protests for any “offended group,” of which there are many in America today, such as Antifa, transgender, or MeToo movements.

There are often challenging situations in the world that are completely contrary to the Christian worldview. For example, a Christian doctor might be instructed to perform abortions and complies instead of refusing, acknowledging God as the ultimate giver of life in every circumstance. There are also situations where a teacher must go along with a school’s decision to allow transgender-themed books in the classroom or acknowledge a boy who identifies as a girl or risk losing their job. While there’s often some overlap between Church and State, a true follower of Christ aligns with the kingdom of God. God is the Creator, the Sustainer, and sovereign over all things.

God’s Way of Leading is Different from Any System on Earth

From the Church’s beginnings in the 1st century to the Reformation in the 16th century, Christians often found themselves in a state of uncertainty. Horton notes that Luther and Calvin in the 15th and 16th centuries sought to revive Augustine’s 4th–5th century concept of “two kingdoms”—heaven versus the world, or “love of God” versus “love of self.” To understand this idea of Church and State, it helps to look at Israel’s history as the only nation founded as a theocracy meant to serve as an example of God’s people to the world. In 1 Samuel 8, centuries later, Israel rejects God as King, demanding a human ruler like other nations. This was the moment Israel transitioned from being guided by a prophet, God’s messenger, to being ruled by a human leader who steered the nation away from truth and justice toward corruption and injustice.

History makes it clear that God’s way of governing is unlike any earthly system, as the world continues to stray, calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). A merging of Church and State also occurred during Constantine’s reign (306–312 AD) when he legalized Christianity and made it the empire’s national religion. Christians went from being an oppressed minority to part of the establishment, living with dual citizenship. What may have begun with good intentions fell into sin marked by authoritarian control over others as the Roman Catholic Church misused its power expanding its reach and wealth through land acquisition becoming recognized as a leader of the world. Solomon said, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Suffering

God has given people free will, yet nothing happens without His permission. Christians will inevitably face challenges from the secular world and may suffer for choosing to follow Him. These trials can bring uncertainty, indecision, depression, fear, injustice, and illness, ultimately helping them realize their need to depend on the Holy Spirit. True believers are called to be prepared to face consequences of hatred and hostility, as Scripture warns of suffering for the sake of God’s Word, “No student is above their Master” (Matt 10) as our Lord Jesus suffered the cross. You can’t belong to both the world’s kingdom and God’s; to follow Jesus, you must be part of the Kingdom of God; we are told to pick up our cross daily and follow Him (Matt 16). We see in Acts, Peter and John rejoice after being flogged by the Sanhedrin for preaching Christ, celebrating they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for His Name (Acts 5:41). We see other examples of suffering, including all the Apostles, Elijah, David, Joseph, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Mary, and of course Job. Job is a book about suffering, God allowed Satan to test Job: “…all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand” (Job 1:12). It can be hard to grasp God’s plan through our human limitations, but we’re called to trust Him. Jesus taught that following Him would bring suffering in a world that rejects truth—a reality increasingly visible in American society where some reshape biblical teaching to fit personal lifestyles. Jesus is the truth, and when He spoke to Pontius Pilate, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth, everyone on the side of truth listens to me,” and Pilate replied with sarcasm, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38). That first-century exchange still rings true in the modern where truth comes from within, what I want it to be, treated as subjective—a view known as moral relativism (McQuilkin & Copan). In contrast, the Church teaches that truth comes from outside one’s self, knowing God’s Word, not human effort.

References:
Collinson, S. W., (2005). Making Disciples and the Christian Faith. Evangelical Review of Theology, 29(3), 240–250. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=18750450&site=ehost-live&scope=site. 
McGrath, A. (2012).Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought.2nd edition. Retrieved from http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var2=750
McQuilkin, R., & Copan, P. (2014). An introduction to biblical ethics: Walking in the way of wisdom (3rd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN-13: 9780830828180.