Abortion

Abortion

Dr Lizzie Ling, with Rev Vaughan Roberts

Abortion is a short book of 107 pages.   In it, the authors provide an accessible introduction to the debate about abortion, and the many questions around the issue.  They acknowledge that these questions are complex, as well as controversial and emotive.  However they cannot be avoided, as they point out that:

'One in four US women and one in three British women will have an abortion at some stage in their lives.  So it would be a mistake for churches to think that this is a problem that doesn't affect them.  One American study showed that 13% of those having abortions described themselves as evangelical Christians.  The truth is that abortion deeply affects many women in our churches and congregations.'

Although a short book, Dr Lizzie Ling and Rev Vaughan Roberts do not take a simplistic approach.  They summarise some Biblical teaching, and outline some of the science of life - of conception and early development.  They write about trends in society, and share some true stories from various perspectives.  At the end of the book, they include brief sections on how abortion is performed, and the grief of miscarriage.  Then they include a list of further resources, and Discussion Guides for each chapter.

But perhaps the most valuable section of this book explores how we can respond to the issue of abortion, both in society generally, and as we have the opportunity to walk alongside individuals:

'Our world and everything in it is truly broken, both inside and outside the church.  This means that our lives will be messy from time to time.  And as we seek to help others in difficult situations, we may find ourselves being part of solutions that are not perfect..  We may be involved in making decisions that are not easy or clear cut ..... This will feel uncomfortable, but we need to continue to love and support people in such situations.'

Abortion is one of the Talking Points books, a series which attempts to help ordinary Christians to think constructively about a range of issues.  Such moral, ethical, and cultural issues can lead Christian to find themselves confused, and at odds with where the world seems to be heading.  This series aims to provide first steps to understanding such issues, and to encourage us to know and share the love of Christ.

Dr Lizzie Ling worked as a Family Doctor for many years.  She also worked in the southern regions of Africa, helping local churches to minister to those affected by HIV / AIDS.  She now works with women in St Ebbe's, a large Anglican church in Oxford, England.

Rev Vaughan Roberts is the Rector of St Ebbe's, a large Anglican church in Oxford, England.  He is also involved in various Christian organisations.  Among these is the Proclamation Trust, which promotes expository preaching, and of which he is a Director.  He is the author of many books, predominantly on issues where Biblical values differ from societal norms.