On the 25th of May, Ireland will vote to either keep or relax their strict abortion laws. Presently, Ireland’s abortion referendum states that unborn babies are human beings, but as the world falls further into sin, the pro-choice voters are gaining ground, saying that abortion laws punish women and that women have the right to abort a helpless fetus because, after all, it is their body.
For a country that was once known as the most Catholic country in the world, they have become increasingly secular in these recent years. Three years ago, the Republic voted in favor of same-sex marriage- the first country in the world to do so by public vote. This time, Irish voters will decide whether to ‘liberate’ or keep their ‘restrictive’ abortion laws. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal article 40.3.3- also known as the eighth amendment- which gives unborn fetuses and pregnant women an equal right to life, making it the sole Western democracy to do so. It was back in 2013 that high-risk pregnancies (where the mother’s life is in danger) were allowed termination. Currently, illegal abortion can put you away in prison for up to 14 years.
Ireland is most certainly a nation divided. For Yes voters, they believe that a repeal would be the most humane decision. At the moment, women in Ireland who seek to have an abortion have to travel to Britain, they do it quietly and in secret, feeling great shame. They also have to pay quite a bit of money to get the abortion done, with costs rising as the pregnancy progresses. Costs including accommodation and transport are included, which makes abortion an option for those that can actually afford it. Others are buying abortion pills secretly on the internet, knowing that if they were found out that they would face years in prison. Pro-choice voters believe that Ireland’s harsh abortion laws only serve to control and repress women and take away their right over their own bodies. When Savita Halappanvar died due to complications of a septic miscarriage at 17 weeks’ gestation- after being refused an abortion- Irish pro-choicers were in an uproar and have since referred to her whenever speaking of a woman’s right to make decisions when concerning her body. Abortion, they believe, is synonymous with women’s empowerment and individuals’ rights.
Voters who are pro-life believe that abortion is mass murder. They hold a deeply held conviction that abortion at any point after conception is the killing of a baby. Some are voicing their concerns about the vanishing children of a country that prizes family, children and the less fortunate. They believe that Ireland is built around community, protection of the vulnerable and faith. Others fear that if abortion becomes legal, it would lead to the eradication of people with Down’s syndrome. They claim that prenatal screening teamed with legal abortion would lead many women to make the decision to abort their unborn babies. They look at countries like Iceland, where only 15% to 20% of women who find out that the fetus potentially has the condition will decide to keep the baby.
What does GOD’S Word say about abortion? While the word abortion is not used, Scripture is far from silent about the sanctity of human life, especially pre-born life in the womb. As Christians, we value life, but why should we value life?
“Know that the LORD Himself is GOD; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3).
“For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, an in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:13-16).
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
“Then GOD spoke all these words, saying…’You shall not murder'” (Exodus 20:1,13).
But what if a child is conceived as a result of rape or incest? “Father’s shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their father’s; a person shall be put to death for his own sin” (Deuteronomy 24:16). You cannot blame that unborn baby for the atrocities committed by others. Oh yes, society will tell you to get rid of that baby, but will that heal you? Just as you become a victim of rape and incest, that baby receives a death sentence because of your need to get rid of any evidence of that tragedy.
Should a child who might be born deformed or disabled be aborted? “So the LORD said to Him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11). I also believe that GOD is a Mighty and All-Powerful One who can work miracles of all sorts- He specializes in the impossible. Instead of listening to what the doctors have to say, know what GOD can do for you. Also, understand that a deformed or disabled person is no less deserving of love than the next person. GOD knows each person by name, and He knows the number of hairs on your head- it is not the outward appearance that GOD sees, but the inward man.
How should a woman view her body and the pre-born life growing in her womb? “Behold, children are a gift from the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from GOD, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify GOD in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Does GOD forgive those who have had abortions? “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” (Ephesians 1:7). “I, even I, am the One who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25).
We must understand that killing an unborn baby is a sin, even if you try to convince yourself that it is a fetus and is thus not a life or human. GOD sees everything – there is nothing that we can hide from Him. On Judgement day, we will give an account of everything that we have ever done in our lives, every idle word said, every evil intention and any disobedience. I do not say this is in judgment to women, but as one who wishes that your eyes would be opened and that you would understand the Truth. Father loves each and every person, regardless of what you have done and who you are. However, sin is a sin, and each person will be punished for that sin. GOD’s Word is clear about the end of those who continue to sin, and that is death. When we repent, GOD is just and merciful to forgive us, but we cannot continue to knowingly sin and expect everything to be okay- you mock GOD if you believe that.
Step away from the world, stop being swayed and influenced by society as it changes. Lawlessness, debauchery, idolatry, adultery, fornication, selfishness, covetous, murder- all these and more are increasing on the earth. People are allowing all sorts of abominations and labeling it liberalism and a human right. GOD will not contend with this generation forever, once He comes, He will take His own and send the rest of the world to hell.
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