Talking Points: Abortion

There has not been a more divisive social issue in the west in the last half-century than the issue of abortion. For those of us who care about human dignity and see humanity in the unborn, this is a fight worth having. And yet as we advocate for the life of the unborn, we also advocate for the flourishing of the mother. The abortion industry preys on both child and mother and leaves a trail of sorrow. This book skillfully, simply, and biblically helps believers think through the complexities of the abortion debate and offers the gospel as the only hope for reconciliation and redemption. It will help God's people engage the issue with compassion and courage and will motivate a new generation to speak up for the most vulnerable.

The subject of Abortion remains emotive, divisive and for many women deeply personal and painful. Dr Ling’s book provides a compassionate, yet clear call to take the Creator God’s Word on this important subject seriously. Speaking personally, I felt much better informed and far better equipped to speak truth in love and to show love in practice as a result of reading this book. I highly recommend it.

I am grateful that I got to read this book. It is informative, truthful and yet very gracious in the way it is written. As a social worker and someone who lives in a country with very high incidents of rape, and woman abuse, it is important that women who are battling with thoughts of aborting a child who could be a result of a criminal act are listened to and supported, especially by the church. One of the great things about this book is that it is written graciously and compassionately. It does not try to force anything on people or put down those who are struggling with having aborted or are thinking about it. I also enjoyed the honesty in which the argument of the book was made. I found the argument balanced and helpful for someone to make an informed decision.

There are few topics that divide our society, and indeed, our communities of faith, quite like abortion. Whether you follow Jesus or not, this is an important and timely book on the very real human issues surrounding abortion and its impact on our lives and our culture and what we can do to respond in a gracious, Christlike way while standing firm on both Biblical truth and scientific evidence. I often say that I am not just pro-birth, but pro-life, from conception to the grave, valuing every moment of the gift of life from God, and my friend Lizzie and her wonderful book have helped me to grapple with and to stand for that belief in the beauty and sanctity of life in a constantly changing world of opinion and soundbites on abortion. I urge you to read, share, engage, wrestle with, and most importantly, listen to this book's message of truth, redemption, and grace in the midst of one of the most crucial debates of our lifetime.

Lizzie Ling and Vaughan Roberts have written eloquently on a very difficult subject. They have brought their expertise and experience to bear on it in ways that are respectful to the unborn but also of those women and men who have had to make agonising decisions.
The book is prayerful and practical with stories of real people with whom the reader can empathise. There is a great deal of sound advice here about where to get help for counselling, safe houses, resources for family life and much else besides. They show a way of interconnectedness and mutual responsibility which doesn’t leave those in crisis out in the cold.
Having said that, they are not afraid to point out the root causes of abortion and its consequences for future well-being, including false views about our bodies and militant feminism. They point out that changes in terminology such as the ‘termination of pregnancy’ or ‘emptying of the uterus’ shield us from the stark reality of killing the unborn and of dehumanising them. Medical intervention here is the exact opposite of what it is usually: it is life-taking rather than life saving. It is contrary to the natural course of life and has adverse physical, psychological and social effects, not only on individuals but on families, communities and society as a whole.
They are clear that their view of personhood is that it is inherent and not conferred on us by society at some arbitrary point. Although we may not know exactly when there is a person, we should always act on the precautionary principle that there is one (or more than one) from conception onwards. Any natural wastage in the process cannot be justification for deliberately ending the journey of growth and development.

There is a good discussion guide for church and home discussion groups. The good book company is to be commended, once again, for bringing us a starter for discussion, even if there is much more to be said and done.

Abortion is an emotive topic. The debates are often polarised, the soundbites frequently clouding the facts, and along the way real people, in real pain are left reeling. But what does the Bible actually say about abortion? And how can we apply God’s word well to the context of our 21st century world? Ideal for those just beginning to think through the subject, this short book, with it’s helpful case-studies and discussion guide, will fuel reflection on key passages and the world around. A much-needed, biblically-faithful introduction that will enable us all to begin to grapple with our culture, our conflicts and our call to live for Christ.

There is no book more needed by the UK church than this. With 1 in 3 women experiencing an abortion, we are letting them down if we carry on ignoring this issue. Ling and Roberts offer the perfect start for our discussions, with deep learning and clarity. And most importantly, it is soaked in the compassion, grace, hope and love of the gospel.

At a time when many churches are conspicuously silent on the thorny issue of abortion, this well researched, easy to read, and compassionate book will be  an invaluable resource. When does life begin?  
Is abortion "okay"...?  Does God care? I recommend it for anyone and everyone who's ever struggled with these kind of questions, as well as for those coping with grief.

With 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK ended through abortion last year, it is hard to think of a moral issue more urgent for Christians to get to grips with. Dr Lizzie Ling and Vaughan Roberts act as our guides through this difficult and painful terrain: they know where the landmines are, they point out where things are not as they appear to be, and whilst aware of all the complexities and emotional charge they do not allow themselves get lost in them but rather bring us safely through to the plain scientific facts of abortion and a truly biblical perspective. Thoroughly human and interspersed with real life stories, this masterful treatment combines pastoral sensitivity with theological clarity: proof that the two go hand in hand. The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ soaks this book from start to finish, and it concludes with biblical wisdom on how to navigate situations and conversations that we are all likely to encounter. This book is courageous, clear, and constructive: I join its authors in praying that it will help break the silence around abortion and develop “church cultures where people…can talk about these things without…fear.”

To deliberately take innocent life is to defy God, the giver of life. Unborn babies are the tiniest of those made in the image of God, and yet the place where they should be safe is the place of greatest danger. There are more deaths worldwide by abortion than any other cause. At a time when many churches and Christians seem reluctant to address this tragedy, this short resource helpfully explains why and how we can respond.

The toll of abortion is great—in the unborn human lives lost, the effect on post-abortive women and men, and the wide circle of others whose lives are also affected, including health care workers. It affects people we live with, work with, and fellowship with. Perhaps, it is your own story. Abortion by Lizzie Ling and Vaughan Roberts is a timely response to a great need, with facts and figures, pastoral wisdom, and most importantly, the glorious gospel of God’s grace.

There are several useful books on abortion but this one by Lizzie Ling is particularly helpful and challenging. In under 100 pages, the author deals with the key issues from a Christian perspective, and she does so clearly but also with great compassion. Indeed, compassion permeates this book and I would heartily recommend it. It would be especially useful for anyone dealing pastorally with those impacted by abortion. The discussion guide at the end is also valuable.

In order to be bearers of “good news”, the church must first see that there is a need for an alternative; a better story for a world which is so often led by notions of self and autonomy. Fifty two years after abortion was legalised in Great Britain, rates of abortion have never been higher. Women are encouraged to “shout your abortion” and society apparently demands unlimited “choice”. In this very accessible little book, Christians are invited to think again about what “good news” is for the woman facing pregnancy crisis and for her unborn baby. And it has perhaps never been more necessary to do so.

I wish I'd had this book years ago! We all feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to thinking and talking about the topic of Abortion and this short book is the perfect starting point. As someone who has experienced a pregnancy crisis, I often cringe when I read some Christian resources out there but this writing is nothing but gentle and compassionate - whilst also shedding light on a very complex issue. I especially love the practical focus on how we can respond and walk alongside those who are facing real, messy and painful situations. Thank you Dr. Ling. I will be giving this book to everyone.

A very accessible and helpful book which I would recommend everyone to read. It sets out important Biblical principles in a loving and compassionate way. Good discussion questions help the reader to think through the points raised in each chapter with helpful resources given for further study. A must read!

This book challenges us to consider every perspective within the abortion debate. To equip ourselves with knowledge, grace and compassion as we seek to affirm our belief that the miracle of life ought always to be protected. As a Member of Parliament, it has challenged me to learn more, grow more and do more to help shape a society that values our unborn.

The issue of the dignity and rights of the unborn is of profound ethical, moral and theological significance. The Church of Jesus Christ is called to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, so speaking for those inside the womb is of vital importance. This book is a valuable aid to remind us of the importance of this issue. It is deeply Biblical and beautifully pastoral yet also very clear.