73 million babies die through elective abortion each year, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
60% of women who had abortions “would have preferred to give birth if they had received either more emotional support or had more financial security” (according to this study from the Charlotte Lozier Institute).
In a world where so many women feel isolated and judged during an unplanned pregnancy,, where can we send pregnant women to get the emotional and financial help that they need to choose to let their babies live and avoid a choice they'd regret?
Our wards should be a place of refuge, support, and love. But sadly, the reality is that even women within our own congregations are struggling with the difficult decision of what to do with an unplanned pregnancy, and they often feel alone in their experiences. (“Finding Hope as a Single Expectant Mother”, July 2022, “Liahona”)
Understanding the Challenges
According to Lifeway Research, 1 in 3 American women who have had an abortion were attending a church at least once a month at the time of the abortion. According to the same study, 49% of women felt that forgiveness didn’t apply to abortion, and 65% felt that church members judge single and pregnant women.
Whether or not these data on church attendance generally reflects how women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would respond, they present alarming call to action for us to foster a culture in our wards that a) teaches about abortion as a sin, b) offers forgiveness for sins (including abortion and sexual intimacy out of marriage), and c) offers Christlike love to every person.
Even if we feel like our ward is truly loving, we shouldn’t dismiss a woman’s feelings of isolation and judgment. Whether the judgment she fears is real or perceived, her fear is real, and it may turn her away from church, away from God, and toward abortion.
So what can we do? Let us examine our own ward cultures and ask ourselves: Are we creating an environment where every individual, regardless of her circumstances, feels the love and support of her ward family? And how can we better do this?
What Can You Do?
So, how can you begin to bridge this gap and create (and convey) a strong pro-life culture within your ward? Whether as a called ward leader or as a leader by example, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Develop and Communicate a Plan for Support
One of the most critical steps is ensuring that your ward has a plan in place to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. What will the bishop, Relief Society president, ward council, and other members do if a woman comes forward needing support through her pregnancy? What can we offer?
We have so much to offer!: financial and physical resources, emotional and spiritual support, mentorship, and community. But how do we communicate that?
As the perfect starting point, we’ve created a free Pregnancy Resource Guide. Our vision is that every bishopric member and Relief Society presidency has a copy, and that if anyone in the ward comes to them for help through pregnancy, they will know what to offer her. Print out some copies to give to your local leaders!
Don’t stop there. Help ward members and friends know about these resources by posting these flyers in your chapel, also on our website. (Ask for permission before posting, of course!)
Finally, if you’re in ward leadership, strive to teach your ward how to embrace and love all people, including pregnant women, and to put aside judgment. Regardless of if you have the power to preach it from the pulpit, you can be a leader in your ward by choosing for yourself and with your family how you will act with love.
If your ward has set and shared a plan to serve pregnant women, when a pregnant woman needs help, she will see the help that’s available, more easily believe you want to help, and be more likely to accept help to choose life.
2. Education Is Key
Without a clear understanding of the doctrines and issues surrounding abortion and unplanned pregnancies, it’s easy for misconceptions and judgment to take root—but sometimes, it’s a hard topic to discuss. So how can we teach about the sanctity of life and about serving and loving without judging?
Pray to decide how you might teach these things in your ward. Consider offering to give a lesson or devotional specifically related to abortion and/or supporting women with unplanned pregnancies. This can be done in 5th Sunday adult classes, weeknight devotionals, or youth groups. (Request our Sanctity of Life Presentation to easily teach your congregation on abortion and our duty as members of the Church!)
Depending on your calling, this might look different. If you’re in a leadership position, you might be able to arrange such an educational experience easily and quickly; if not, it might take some time.
If you struggle getting things rolling in your ward, start changing the culture within your home, your family, and your friends! You can hold a home evening in your home using the presentation or one of our Home Evening Guides.
3. Service Projects
Actions speak louder than words! Organize a pro-life-related service project for your ward or stake. Here are a few ideas:
Support a local pregnancy resource center:
Hold a fundraiser for the local pregnancy resource center.
Organize donation drives for diapers, formula, clothing, etc.
Offer to serve on-location by cleaning, landscaping, etc.
Support a pregnant mother in your ward:
Have the Relief Society host a baby shower.
Have the men and/or young men help with home projects like lawn mowing, painting, etc.
Bring the young women to babysit her children so she can rest or take care of other responsibilities.
Other ideas:
Volunteer or donate to a women’s shelter.
Pray with 40 Days for Life or another ministry to end abortion.
These projects not only provide tangible help but also reinforce the message of support and love within the congregation. When members of the ward actively participate in service projects, it builds a culture of compassion and makes clear that the ward is a place where those in need can find help.
4. Speak Out and Reduce Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to creating a supportive ward culture is the stigma that often surrounds unplanned pregnancies and abortion (as well as sin in general).
You can be a part of creating a loving environment where women feel they can discuss their concerns without judgment. Find ways you can reduce the stigma associated with unplanned pregnancies, and to be an example of faith and love over shame.
As you give talks, communicate with friends at Church, and lead/participate in class discussions, emphasize understanding and empathy. Share stories and testimonies that highlight the importance of forgiveness and the power of Christ’s atonement, and if you have them, don’t be afraid to talk about your own experiences of hope after abortion or amidst pro-life work.
The more you talk about these issues in a loving way, the more women will trust your ward as a safe place where they can seek help and guidance.
The Power of Christ-like Love
Our wards have the potential to rescue women in their darkest moments, and to save the lives of their preborn children. By showing Christlike love and teaching in His way, you can be a part of helping your ward become sanctuary of hope and compassion. You can be a part of saving lives!
So we invite you to choose at least one of these options, or something similar! Make your own plan to make a difference. As you strive to fulfill your divine mandate to love one another, the Lord will bless you for your efforts.
Let us know what you have done or what you decide to start doing now, and share your stories and goals with us in the comments!!
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