Thou shall not murder.
Every human being is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and the Bible upholds personhood in the womb (Psalm 51:5, 139:13, Ex. 2:22-25). From the moment of fertilization, human life deserves to be nurtured and protected. ‘Legal protection is not something that should be granted when the child is delivered, or at the moment they can feel pain, or the moment their heart beats. Rather, if our affections are shaped by the Word of God, we should strive for the protection of life no matter the size, age, or location of the child.’ -(David Schrock)
In South Australia, abortion was decriminalised under the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 2021. Meaning that a child can be terminated without specific reason up until 22 weeks and 6 days, and after this time, with the approval of two doctors if it is deemed that the patient’s physical or mental health is at risk, or there is a fetal anomaly. Recent attempts (e.g., 2024 and 2025 bills by MLCs like Ben Hood and Sarah Game) to further restrict late-term abortions (e.g., limiting to life-saving cases or fetal anomalies only, or after 27/28 weeks requiring live delivery) were defeated in the Legislative Council (e.g., 2025 bill voted down 11-8).
To summarise: God’s word prohibits the taking of human life. Our State’s current policy allows it.
I have intentionally simplified this, neglecting to share with you any data related to the amount of abortions that occur each year, the horrifying method for terminating late term pregnancies, the number of babies born healthy but left to die; the fact that medical personnel are not allowed a conscience vote, or the increasing number of decisions made based on gender selection. These are all things that I recommend you being informed about, although I do not think they are necessary for us, as followers of Jesus, to understand why we ought to advocate for life.
God places value on all human life. God prohibits murder. To advocate for life is not a cause we as a church stand for to take a political side. It is a conviction based on God’s good design of humanity and a deep desire to uphold the word of God and reflect his glory.
Martyn Iles said it better than I ever could, when he highlighted the core of the gospel message and what is goodis found in the Son of God giving his life for those who don’t deserve it. That is the love of God. Love that dies for rebels, sinners (Rom. 5:7-8).
‘What does this have to do with abortion? According to God, what is good? ‘“I will die for you,” – what does abortion say? “You will die for me.” It’s the exact opposite. It’s the reverse image of God.’ (Martyn Iles)
Advocates for Life
“It’s a girl!”
These are the first words you hear after you have been forced out of your cozy incubator. They are just sounds that mean nothing to your brain still recovering from the squeeze of a lifetime. Although if you did have the ability to comprehend, and then were to also find out that you were born in the first century AD, into the Roman empire, you would know that these words spelt tragedy.
They called it ‘exposure’. An unwanted child, whether it be due to some deformation or simply because they were the wrong sex, was exposed. Left in nearby forests or on rubbish heaps to be taken by animals or succumb to the weather.
Although in that time, it was those who had been saved by Christ, finding new life and hope in the resurrection of Jesus that took it upon themselves to scour these places of darkness, and rescue the precious lives that were otherwise unwanted. Christians would take these children and raise them as their own. Sacrificing comfort and wealth and provision because of Love. This is the love of Christ on display as his people show love to those who were otherwise deemed undeserving.
The widow, the orphan, the fatherless, the outcast, the lost, the sinner, all need the rescuing love of Christ. In our day, where murder in some cases has been redefined as health care, we must be willing to advocate for the lives of those that are deemed undeserving – and especially those still in the womb.
Should we do something?
Yes.
God has given the responsibility to governments of protecting people under their care. Believers are to submit to these governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), except when they call us to disobey God. In a country and government system such as ours, Christians cannot impose our moral convictions upon anyone, although we can and should attempt to persuade others, and call upon our government to act according to the standards of God’s word that brings about human flourishing for all people. We should use our vote wisely, with great consideration. We should use our voice wherever we can, peaceably and with grace, but also with truth. We should stand, and walk, and appear, as those who advocate for life.
We also recognize the deep hurt and complexity many face in these situations, and our advocacy flows from compassion for both mother and child. Our partnership with House of Refuge acts to provide support that both stops abortions that may be being considered, whilst also providing care for all those involved.
Grace to you, Glory to God.