There are also the emotional effects from having an abortion that many are unaware of. People would be advised against having an abortion if they are emotionally unstable or if they don’t have sufficient support from family and friends. The emotional strain on having an abortion can have serious effects of either of the parents’ lives. If the abortion was unsuccessful the woman may never be able to have children again if her reproductive organs are damaged in the process. Going through the whole ordeal may also result in depression and a great sense of loss for the mother. On the other hand abortion is favourable if the child will be born with a severe disability and therefore lead a disadvantaged life. Many don’t agree that this is good reasoning to terminate a life.
Abortion rates are high, particularly in the young teenage population. Poor health education or discussion about sex in the home leads to ignorance. Some people would be supportive of having an abortion if the mother was a teenager, as having a child would have an effect on her schoolwork, social life, family and future plans. These factors in her life encourage the option of an abortion. There are other options, of having a child and then putting it up for adoption. This way the child has the opportunity to live.
The Bible it states “do not murder” so for Christians having an abortion would be breaking one of the commandments and therefore making it morally wrong. God created each life for a purpose so why do we think we have the right to take it away. I feel that it is sometimes difficult to accept the Christian teaching in the area of abortion due to a number of contributing factors. If a very young girl becomes pregnant who has the rest of her life ahead, having a baby would completely alter her desired future. An abortion would give her the opportunity to live her whole life properly, which many feel is a very selfish attitude to have. If a female is faced with an unplanned pregnancy would it not be better to terminate the life of an unwanted child than bring up a child resenting it for negatively changing your life? Christians teach that life belongs to God so only he has the right to take it away.
An abortion maybe extremely favoured if the female becomes pregnant, as the result of rape. As keeping a child would be a painful reminder of the assault. This is why it is difficult to accept the Christian teaching as having a baby could cause a lot of emotional turmoil for the woman. If the child was to be severely handicapped, to grow up suffering, why put it through the pain? So abortion yet again appears the more suitable choice making it difficult to agree with Christian teachings of preserving life rather than terminating it.
If one of my friends discovered she was pregnant as a friend, I would try to make her feel comfortable talking about it by being willing and patient to listen to her when she feels ready. I would not put her under any pressure to keep the baby just because I support Christian teachings. It would be entirely her choice so I could help her research her options fully in order for her to make the correct decision according to her personal circumstances. I would encourage her to tell her parents and those who she trusted as the increase of support would help her feel less alone in her situation. I would ask her to talk to the father of the baby to find out what financial and emotional support he would be willing to provide if she were to have the child. As a Christian I would explain to her that God makes every child for a purpose and she has the chance to mould her baby into a human being to fulfil this purpose. I would support her no matter what she chose to do and I could go to pregnancy classes, the doctors, or an abortion clinic with her. The most important thing would be to ensure that she never feels alone in her pregnancy, as it will make coping with it less frightening.
