OK, serious question for Christians only.....or even Jews or Muslims?

Question

I know that abortion is wrong. My question is about the early termenation of pregnancy. I have taken a lot of heat over the years because I terminated my pregnancy 3 months early. The doctors told me that it was the best chance of survival my twins had, and I do now have healthy normal 12 year olds who will turn 13 in July. A lot of people say I did not have enough faith and it was wrong, but I felt like God was leading the Doctor's in their decision and He was there to make sure my babies were safe.

My second part of the question is, do you ever worry that if we make strict abortion laws that women who are in a position like I was will lose the option to terminate early not to take a life but to save a life?

I love my twins, and I wanted them very badly. You wouldn't believe some of the nasty things people have said regarding their birth circumstances.

After reading a few of these answers, let me clarify...I was comfortable with my choice. I was just appalled to have so many cruel things said when I do believe that I did the right thing. At the time, it never occured to me that others would clump my decision in with people who did not want their babies when I had made the choices I made not to kill them, but to allow them to live.

Answer 1

Christelle.... the decision gave you peace....and God, the Master Physician probably DID understand and guide the doctors....in a case of health issues, sometimes God DOES allow this to be done....it is something that confuses even the righteous, God knows what each person can handle, we don't.

Even in strict abortion laws I think that there will be considerations made about what is a health issue for either mom and/or the children....

Being Christian, I do not think lightly of the issue of abortion. But, I have found that God does things that bewilders us all, He knows, we do not...consider this a situation where He has said "it is not for our understanding to know why".

I can well believe all sorts of comments made to you....my heart goes out to you...

Take care, and God bless! :)

*By the way, my eldest daughter also had had to have an early birthing for my grandson...he is a joy to us all, autistic or not, and, Praise God, the early birth helped him to have a healthy body, etc. :)

Answer 2

Interesting that the "christians" haven't even read your question. So here it is from a former Christian, current humanist: "God" helps those who help themselves; in your case, your kids would not have survived if you had waited for the reamining 3 months. It did not harm your babies and you did not terminate the pregnancy, you delivered early to ensure survival of your babies. Tell the busybodies to bugger off. It's none of their business.

As for the second part, I worry that strict abortion laws will prevent abortion even when the woman's mental and/or physical health is compromised. Frankly, I'd rather care for the existing, living human being (mother) than a potential child. I also don't care for legislating something so personal, which is a slippery slope indeed. One, it mixes religion and legislation; two, it empowers religionists; three, it is a potential slippery slope where a pharmacist can tell a woman that she won't be given even Plan B because of "religious beliefs" - this is happening and I think it has the potential to get very close to Taliban. That does not mean I am for abortion as a frequent birth control measure... May be more targeted regulations on frequent abortions can address this issue better.

Answer 3

I have a close friend who had a similar problem. She and her husband were in a house fire, both unconscious. She was in early pregnancy. Her doctor told her that her baby had suffered due to lack or oxygen, and that abortion was the best way. She waited. Later she got another opinion, with test and all. She was advised to abort because the baby would be severely mentally handicapped and may suffer long and would eventually die. She refused, delivered a normal child. Her baby is about 20 today.

Now, there are some instances where abortion has to be the answer-I agree to this. Yours may have been the case, I don't know. But, allowing abortion on demand for no medical reason is not the answer. These medical emergencies are really rare. To grantee abortion to anyone for any reason would allow the murder of several million normal healthy babies just for the chance possibility that some rare medical situation might not be allowed is completely absurd.
Think through the numbers. Your argument is worse than weak, and its vile.

Answer 4

Medical Doctors know about medicine. This was what you were told you made a choice and it worked out. May God bless and keep you and your boys.

This is none of their business - done - it is your business and you did what you need to do - many decisions are very difficult - you made a difficult decision.

There are many no win choices and sometimes make the one that leads to the best result in the long run. Through prayer and removal of self (gain or social standing) asking God what His will be is the best that may be done sometimes.

Abortion is a tough one - life is life. If we are a child of God then we may be able to make a god choice. not all people can do this because they do not care.

I actually knew a girl that had three abortions by the time she was a college frosh, She used it as birth control. And another that all through college duping guys into paying for false abortions and bragged to her girl friends about what she got for the money TV, Clothes, stereo, and so forth.

Can you imagine all those guys going through life thinking they killed a baby?

Answer 5

Let me just say this to you. Many times, people tend to be very zealous with their thoughts/beliefs on a subject. Don't let people's reactions shape or damage your relationship with God.

While my Catholic faith teaches that abortion is wrong, I also know that we have a God full of love and mercy. I believe you did not make this decision lightly. I would strongly suggest that you speak to a priest/minister about this. Obviously you are feeling guilty about this decision and I believe speaking to an ordained clergy person would provide you with some comfort and guidance.

As far as the second part of your questions, I understand what you are asking. However, let me ask you one. Do you believe that abortion on demand is wrong? Should a woman be able to procure an abortion just because she wants one?An ends does not justify a means.

You have healthy twins? So, did you simply have labor induced prematurely or did you actually abort? I am not sure I understand what you had done.

God bless you!

Answer 6

It does a little but I never let it upset me. What does bother me is when people say things like "oh Judaism and Christianity are so similar they are basically the same." Like hold on and take a step back with me for a minute. Jew's believe Jesus was not the Messiah right? Christian's believe the only way to get into heaven is to truely believe Jesus was the Messiah and died for their sins right? How on earth is that even close to being the same? I guess you just have to laugh about it and move on, people will be ignorant more often than not. Peace Out and God Bless :)

Answer 7

congratulations for your décision : in islam whenever it is question of saving a life (mother or child) even abortion is permitted at any time of pregnancy. because the main purpose of any law from god is : the good being of men on this earth not a supplice or punishment. in islam for example : wine and pig meat is permitted when it is a matter of saving a life or lives.


The Exception for abortion in islam:


"As we all know, every rule has an exception including the religious laws. After all attempts are made to save both the mother and the unborn child, and under unusual situations, abortion may be allowed to save the mother’s life. This is permitted, not only during the first three months of pregnancy, but during any time during the pregnancy. Cases of rape "have no place in this discussion. Women who are victims of rape have enough time (as much as 6 days) to use available medical treatments to avoid any possible pregnancy. If the rape victim waited until she finds out that she is pregnant, it is too late and she has no excuse to kill the child created in her womb. " see the website below.


and Allah bless u all.

Answer 8

Hon,
I hate to tell you this, but what you did, wasn't an abortion, or even a termination. What you did, is no different than when a doctor induces delivery early.
Technically, what you did, was a Cesarian Section, where they took the children out of your womb, in order to save them.

God doesn't have a problem with saving lives, he only has a problem when you premeditatingly take a life, (Murder, abortion.)

I believe that you're fine, and you did the right thing.

Answer 9

You were not terminating a pregnancy. You were trying to save your babies. Big difference.

Praying and asking for God's direction is the right thing. Praise Him for your two healthy blessings!

Later term abortions are very gruesome - nothing like what you did. So no, I don't think strict abortion laws will hurt doctors' ability to save lives. The process is totally different.

Answer 10

You didn't really "terminate" your pregnancy.

One of the problems with trying to say for sure what God wants in a situation is that his actions are subject to a lot of interpretation. I think the case can be made that God put you in a situation where medical knowledge was sufficiently advanced that your children were able to be delivered healthy, where if you had lived in an age without those options your children (and perhaps you, too) could have died in childbirth.

My experience is that people who comment on other people's lack of faith are just small-minded and not acting in love. If you're in a church filled with this kind of people, go elsewhere.