There is a sad movement in society. It is one of many, but this is among the sickest. The movement is called “Shout Out Your Abortion.” It is supported by the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Oprah Winfrey promoted the “Shout Out Your Abortion” movement in her August, 2018 edition, O Magazine, to her eternal shame and judgment. She knows better, as do all the women. They are sophisticated enough to know that life begins at the moment of conception, and that, within days, there will be a beating heart in the new life developing in their bodies. But having a baby can be inconvenient. Having a baby can be painful. Having a baby can be embarrassing, depending on the circumstances. So many women choose to have an abortion, and then, they begin to shout. They have to shout out for a variety of reasons.
First, some women shout out because they must cover the cries of the unborn pleading with them, saying in their own silent way, “Mommy, Stop! Let me live!” “Mommy, please, do not kill me!” “I promise you, mommy, I will be good!” “I am sorry I hurt you, mommy! I just want to live!” Women who slaughter their babies without mercy must smother the screams of the unborn who desperately want to live and to be loved.
Second, some women must shout out their abortions in order to silence their own conscience. In the late 1970’s, I heard Gloria Steinem speak at Ft. Hays State University. The Feminist movement was raging at the time, and Ms. Steinem was a leading figure. During the course of her talk, she addressed the issue of pro-choice, and then, awkwardly, it seemed to me, acknowledged that she had had an abortion. I remember the moment because it seemed to me she was not very proud of what she had done. She was not as bold in sin, or hardened in her heart as she is today so that she can now assert that, to kill her baby in abortion, well, “It gave me my life. I mean, I wouldn’t have been able to live my life otherwise” (NATIONAL Katie Yoder, Nov. 4, 2015).
I remember feeling sorry for Ms. Steinem, and for her discarded baby, so many years ago. I still pity her today. As Jesus had compassion on individuals, so must all Christians for all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one.
The larger point is this. Many women who get an abortion come from religious backgrounds. They know the Judeo-Christian value of life, which is why their consciences are conflicted. So they must shout out their abortion to drown out the voice of conviction condemning them and covering them with shame.
Third, some women must shout out their abortions in order to stop the voice of God from being heard. The Bible says that children are a gift of the LORD (Psalm 127:3). Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their father (Prov. 17:6).
Not only do many women feel compelled to shout out their shame, but they try to cover themselves with glitter and gold in order to hide the dark stain on their souls. It does not work. Debra Messing, star of “Will and Grace” displayed her shiny bling on Instagram—a bejeweled necklace with a 1973 charm on it to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. It is a very sick soul that will celebrate the year abortion was legalized in America. The jewelry of these women is no better than the fig leaves Eve used to cover her transgression in the Garden. The jewelry is undignified, and will eventually tarnish thereby once more uncovering the vile deed that was done to another human. The ashes of baby parts aborted and sold will find no intrinsic value in the gold that is bought.
I know that many women can live with themselves only by justifying the unjustifiable. They suppress or hold down the truth, and so are able to exist from day to day. But there is still this unresolved sin that must be dealt with.
For women who have had an abortion, for women who will stop shouting and listen to their heart, listen to their consciences, and listen to the voice of God, they can hear Jesus say, “Come unto me, all ye that are heaven laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28-29).
Abortion is an act of evil. It is a crime against humanity. It is a transgression against one’s own body, and the soul of another. Nevertheless, there is no sin too great for the grace of God. God will forgive women who stop shouting, and start confessing, what they have done. God will abundantly pardon, and completely forgive every soul that repents in shame and sorrow. There is mercy with the Lord.
“Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There’s mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest
By trusting in His word.
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now,
He will save you, He will save you.
He will save you now.”
John H. Stockton, 1874