Sometimes I have too many serious issues and thoughts bumping around in my head, and while I want to write a blog post to clear my head and get the thoughts on “paper”, part of me dreads the process. I’m not exactly sure why- perhaps it is because it is much easier to take time to write on DIY projects, funny things my kids are doing, or random life events. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing about all of those things and plan to do so soon. But I feel the need to get this out first so I can move on to the other (fun!) things.
I find myself getting increasingly frustrated when my brothers or sisters in Christ accept and/or promote the watered-down ways of the world. First, a disclaimer- I am not trying to indicate that I never do this. It is hard to be a Christian and avoid it, honestly. It truly takes continuous effort and dying to self, and that is exhausting. Thankfully, Jesus is there to help guide us through the process and shoulder the burden with us. That said, it’s becoming a larger and larger issue and I’m both agitated and saddened by it.
Take abortion (surprise, back to this issue again). I believe wholeheartedly that abortion is not only the taking of innocent life, but that it is a destroyer of women’s lives as well. And men’s. I also believe that Planned Parenthood is one of the most sinister organizations that there is. You look at the beliefs of the founder, Margaret Sanger- then go research some of her successors. The ideology of Planned Parenthood is, at its core, horrifying. Yes, I know the argument that “Planned Parenthood provides services to women that they can’t access easily elsewhere” in addition to the oft-used “but look at all the good they have done!” Very few things get me going like the latter argument. But you know, I’m not so surprised to hear it from nonbelievers and this post is not aimed at those who do not profess Christ.
Christians, on the other hand, should know better. Since when does any “good” done by Planned Parenthood justify the murder of 332,278 babies in 2009 alone. It does 333 abortion referrals for every 1 adoption referral. Also, according to Planned Parenthood Federation of America 2006-2007 Annual Report, abortion accounts for at least a third of Planned Parenthood’s total income from clinic services. It took home $85 million in profit and had an operating budget of over $1 billion for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, according to one of its more recent annual reports. If people would truly take time to read the information out there, even (especially!) in PP’s own reports, I think they would begin to see what this organization truly is. Talk to women who have not been given full information before aborting their baby and who are daily dealing with the physical and/or emotional repercussions- talk to fathers who weren’t given a “choice” in whether their child lived or died. Stop being lukewarm on an issue that demands a strong voice!
People like to argue that the good Planned Parenthood does outweighs the bad. What, then, is the moral difference in justifying Hitler’s role in murdering the over 6 million people he did, because, well, he did great things for the German economy and advocated strongly for worker’s rights? The Nazis provided the world with incredible strides in engineering and the field of medicine, accomplishments that undoubtedly saved lives. Does that justify the evil they did? Sounds harsh, even ridiculous to compare the two doesn’t it? But why? It’s the same principle.
The good an organization or individual does cannot outweigh the evil of taking human life.
Over 49,551,703 babies have been aborted since abortion was legalized in 1973. Over 49, 551, 703. Take some time to read about the various methods of abortion- read the accounts of how babies have responded with pain in the womb as they tried to avoid the suction device. Then tell me again that Planned Parenthood is a honorable organization.
So…that is why I am shocked when my brothers and sisters in Christ support Planned Parenthood, even in part. Please understand me- my heart breaks for women that feel so desperate that they kill their child. Yes, I often feel anger too, but my real anger is for those that take advantage of these women and do it under the guise of advocacy and “choice”. It is an organization that is no friend to children, certainly, but it is no friend to women either.
As Christians, we are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14); to reflect the true Light of the world, Christ. Romans 12:2 tells us “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” How can we be the light of the world, when, as followers of Christ, we defend organizations (or individuals) that are so clearly opposed to the will of God? I’m not saying I haven’t done this, and I may even do it now unknowingly, but it is my responsibility to be as informed as possible- and to me, Planned Parenthood is a clear-cut issue. I’m not saying this against any one person, it’s simply an observation that has been building and building to the point where I felt the need to process it further.
If you’re still with me, I hope you understand the passion that drove this post. Even more, I hope you’ll share it.
Dancing in the Mundane 
Fantastic Post!! I was in an abortion debate tonight, and it saddens me how many women have been lied to and made to think that what they’re carrying isn’t a baby, but a ball of tissue and cells. One person even posted on facebook that she didn’t understand why abortion was such an issue since a 12 week fetus had no heartbeat, nervous system, brain waves, hands, feet, eyes or ears. This is what is being fed to women who are considering abortion. It needs to change
It is so important to speak up- and so hard sometimes! I’m thankful for your passion on this issue!
I ❤ you Olivia and this is a WONDERFUL post. I am so tired of being told that I am a hateful Christian b/c I stand up for what I know is right in my heart and what is clearly written in black and white in the Bible. I could not have said it any better. At my 6 week ultrasound with Hailey I could see her heart beating right there on the monitor. It sickens me to think that humans get charged with murdering another human being that could possibly defend themselves, but its not murder when a woman kills a baby that is helpless and relies on them to protect them. I pray for all those who believe that it is ok.
Thank you Nicole- it is absolutely an issue that requires that the truth be shared!
Right on. We need to call things what they are. This issue wrecks me…. Keep being bold.
Thank you for your encouragement!
olivia- i just wanted to tell you how much i enjoyed your post and how it touched me. i have shared it with a few people that i thought may be on the fence about the issue. i cant even bring myself to fully think about what innocent babies are put through during various stages of life before birth,when it comes to aborting one. thanks again for putting into words what was on alot of our minds. 🙂
Thanks Melissa- it is definitely hard to put into words.