Imagine the sound of a small heartbeat in the hospital’s empty hallways. Imagine the future of the unborn child—there are endless possibilities. They will grow up to have passions, pursue careers, form relationships and become their own person. They might struggle in life, as everyone does, but they will have a chance. A shot to make their own decisions. A chance to live.
The controversial Heartbeat Bill recently passed in Texas legislation is a source of both anger and joy for myriad reasons. The law protects the life of an unborn baby against abortion. Many rejoice in this rebellion against the Roe v. Wade case of 1973. Others mourn the restriction, arguing that male lawmakers cannot dictate what a woman decides to do with her body. They also argue that abortions will not stop but will just become more dangerous.
The Heartbeat Bill should be a sigh of relief for Christians around the nation. This law gives the opportunity for life to even the smallest members of society—they will have the opportunity to grow up, start their own path and hopefully meet Christ along the way.
BUT IT’S NOT SIMPLE
Abortion is not a black and white issue. Oftentimes, mothers who choose to abort their children have and continue to face a variety of difficulties. Challenges from lack of a partner, financial burdens and the overwhelming task of being a mother can discourage a hesitant parent-to-be. There are also instances of rape and abuse, in which the woman had no control over becoming pregnant.
The BBC wrote an ethics article arguing in favor of abortion. The right of abortion, it argues, allows a woman to achieve her full potential.
“It is vital for gender equality,” the BBC writes.
The law bans abortions after “six weeks from the patient’s last menstrual period,” according to the Texas Tribune. Once a heartbeat is present and pumping, usually around the five or six week mark, patients can no longer abort their babies in Texas.
This law is to be enforced by private citizens, rather than government officials, the Texas Tribune reports. This means that the state can not enforce the law but independent individuals will ensure the law is safe from a court challenge.
EMOTIONAL AFTERMATH
When I Googled “Do women regret their abortions?,” nearly every article claims a vast majority of women do not regret it. One article claimed that 99% of women do not regret the decision to terminate their pregnancy. However, an article by Christianity Today highlighted that even though women who chose to abort their pregnancy may not experience immediate regret—many experience remorse years later. Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood worker, explained that the trauma from the abortion may not arise for at least 10-15 years after the termination.
Women who choose to keep their children will not have easy lives by any means. Almost always, their life will become harder. However, it will also be much more rewarding. As Christians, we should not judge women in difficult situations, but rather come alongside them, encourage them and help them. Above all, pray for them.
SUPPORT YOUNG LIFE
Roe v. Wade was born in Texas. The Lone Star state has a way of paving new roads when it comes to abortion. In 2020 alone, there were 53,000 abortions in Texas.
Now, Texas wants to protect a child with a heartbeat. Christians can rejoice with this new law—as it allows more of God’s precious children to live and have a chance to experience a relationship with him. Women also have the opportunity to experience a relationship with their child and other women through pregnancy, according to Focus on the Family.
There is sanctity in life and it must be treasured and protected. Come alongside new mothers who may be scared. If it is someone in your life, be involved. Serve them and love them, just like Jesus would. God has a plan for each baby even before their heart starts beating, as it says in Jeremiah 1:4-5. They just need to take a first breath.
