Introduction
2022 marked a significant change in America as abortion permits were revoked. This decision provoked a different reaction from religious leaders, emphasizing the division between those who oppose and those who allow for the possibility of abortion (Luscombe para. 1). The Evangelical Protestants played a significant role in the anti-abortion decision. Their actions on this issue intensified in the second half of the 20th century and attracted substantial attention among the American population. Although many citizens were against the abortion ban, which carries significant restrictions on women’s rights, it was still introduced.
Discussion
The issue of abortion has a long history and attracts various activists and religious leaders. A significant event was the court decision in the case of Roe v. Wade, recognizing the right of women to end a pregnancy in the early 70s (Luscombe para. 1). Evangelicals were not immediately involved in the problem considering it as a matter of the Catholic Church. Instead, they were focused on protecting segregation in their educational institutions (Balmer para. 2). Meanwhile, many religious leaders discussed the issue of abortion and recognized its necessity in some cases, calling for legalization at conventions during 1968-1976 (Balmer para. 4-7). Evangelicals, in turn, did not pay attention to the problem until the end of the decade when there was a need to find a topic that could unite followers.
Francis Schaeffer’s ideas contributed to the unification of Evangelicals, although he was not directly involved in the leadership. In his books and documentaries, he argued that Western countries are inclined to decline due to excessive humanism and a lack of orientation towards the Bible (Risen para. 15-16). As a result, Evangelicals, against the background of the upheaval of the era, followed his ideas and sought to condemn secular humanity, where abortion became a significant symbol. Schaeffer’s work even called for a struggle using physical force, which led to several explosions and attacks (Risen para. 25-27). Decades later, the right to abortion was abolished, although many citizens may be dissenting, and the influence of Evangelicals is noticeable on this issue.
Today, opinions among believers on the issue of abortion differ. About three-quarters of white Evangelical Protestants think abortion must be illegal, and 21% do not allow exceptions (Shellnutt para. 4). Among other religions or unaffiliated citizens, a more significant percentage support legalization or permission in some instances. Each opinion is based on various religious underpinnings â opponents of abortion believe that an embryo is alive, referring to Psalm 139:13, stating that God forms a person when everything unites in the womb (Luscombe para. 5). Believers supporting the right to abortion refer to Exodus 21:22, which states that those who help miscarriage should not be convicted of murder (Luscombe para. 5). Thus, the issue of abortion is consistent with religious underpinnings in the question of whether an embryo can be considered human and abortion murder. At the same time, the issue departs from religion when the mother’s or the child’s future health and well-being are viewed.
The issue of abortion is critical to many citizens, especially women. The ban on it implies a lack of choice, potential threats to women’s and children’s health, and the impact on their lives. In addition to restricting women’s rights, the issue of abortion affects well-being. This choice is rarely carried out without reason, and the absence of this possibility can deprive the mother and child of many opportunities in the future. For these reasons, all policy decisions related to the issue of abortion are of great importance.
Conclusion
Thus, abortion is a solid ethical dilemma: whether it is considered murder and whether the embryo is alive, and disputes are fought among various religions. Evangelical Protestants significantly influenced abortion policy, although initially, they were not interested in this issue. At the same time, opinion among other religions is different, and most support legalization in certain medical cases. As a result, this issue has not yet been closed despite the ban, and disputes will continue.
Works Cited
Balmer, Randall. “The Religious Right and the Abortion Myth.” Politico, Web.
Luscombe, Belinda. “Reactions to the End of Roe Reveal Divisions Between Religious Leaders.” Time, Web.
Risen, James. “How Americaâs Evangelicals Turned Themselves Into an Anti-Abortion Machine.” The Intercept, Web.
Shellnutt, Kate. “White Evangelicals Twice as Likely to Want to Ban Abortion.” Christianity Today, Web.