Why do Women Abort their Babies?

"Why do women abort their babies?"  This is a very common question that perplexes those who have not faced a crisis pregnancy or known someone who has.  After counseling women in crisis pregnancies for 11 years, the best answer I can give you is  .... Women DO NOT want to abort their babies!!  They are not exercising their "choice".... not at all!! 


Very often young women don't even think that they are carrying a baby... they are told by abortion providers that it is not a baby... it is "a lump of cells", "products of conception" or "blood and cells".  So if it isn't a baby then it is ok to just "terminate the pregnancy", right?  Many women are scared and need to be encouraged to get the information they need to know about all of their options and to not make a quick decision.  Often, when we are feeling overwhelmed or pressured, and especially when our bodies and hormones are changing, we do not make our best decisions.


Young women are not told that just 22 days after conception (before they know they are pregnant), the babies heart is beating.  At 6 weeks, brain waves can be measured.  At 8 weeks, the stomach, liver, kidneys and brain are functioning... fingerprints have formed. Sometimes abortion providers do an ultrasound to determine how far along the patient is in her pregnancy to decide which abortion method to use .... they turn the screen AWAY from the mother! 

8 week ultrasound

I have witnessed hundreds of ultrasounds.  The baby's heartbeat can be seen and heard at about 6 weeks (4 weeks after conception).  By 7-8 weeks (5-6 weeks after conception), we can easily see fingers and toes and even facial features are visible.  Baby is moving about freely and even trying to do somersaults!


Thousands of women in crisis pregnancies have come to our pregnancy center seeking help and often seeking an abortion.  Most often what they really need is someone to talk to, someone to listen, someone to help them who cares about them.  The reasons are numerous; financial hardship, pressure from the boyfriend, pressure from the parents or being alone and feeling nobody cares.  Most of the reasons are temporary problems and challenges.  Finances can get better, relationships change, people grow, resources are available to help with material needs and education.... there is a lot of help available. 


Occasionally there is a health issue or concern or the baby has come to be through a rape.  These are very very rare circumstances and agreeably difficult ones.  The baby is the innocent.  God is the Author and Giver of Life.   These are very difficult circumstances where parents especially need counseling and support. 


Once an abortion decision is made and carried out, most women feel regret and even more serious emotional problems, hurt and nightmares that stay with them for many many years.... abortion is final.


Hundreds of women we have counseled have shared their deep regrets over choosing abortion previously.  Never, not once in 11 years, has a woman who chose to give her baby life... whether she chose parenting or made an adoption plan.... said that she regretted her decision to give life to her child.  Not once!


No baby is a mistake, no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation.  God has a plan and a purpose for every life. 



For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11