In a recent conversation with a pastor, we discussed the Yes for Life Amendment that will be on the ballot in November. I (Justin) explained how the amendment makes it clear that abortion is not a protected right under Kentucky’s State Constitution. He informed me that he is “pro-choice” and posed objections to the pro-life position. This was shocking, but it gives an opportunity to briefly answer his objections and a few other common objections to the pro-life position and the pro-life Constitutional Amendment.

1. “I am pro-choice but anti- abortion. I think it’s wrong, but the woman has to choose whether to get an abortion or not.”

The first question to ask is, “What is the woman choosing to do?” There are some choices that people should never have a legal right to make and taking the life of another human being is one of them. God recognizes unborn human life in the womb (Jer. 1:5 and Psalm 139:13- 16) and that human beings are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27). There are also sanctions against harming unborn life (Exodus 21:22- 23). Followers of Jesus are told to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless (Psalm 82:2). There is no moral or legal justification to take the life another human being.

2. “A woman has a right to do what she wants with her body.”

This is a true statement. However, we aren’t talking about what the woman does with her body. We’re talking about what she wants to do with someone else’s body—the body of the baby in her womb. The baby in the womb is a unique human being with its own genetic makeup. While for a time the baby resides within the mother’s body, it is very much its own body.

3. “You can’t legislate morality.”

All law is rooted in morality. All law is based on somebody’s beliefs about what should be allowed and what should be prohibited in society. God gives us his moral law in Exodus 20 with the Ten Commandments and establishes civil laws all throughout the rest of the Pentateuch that are derived from the moral law. One example is the commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). God is the author of life and gives us rules to live by. And we reject his rules to our own harm.

4. “Pro-lifers only care about the baby until it’s born.”

This objection is actually just a misdirection. Even if the statement was true, it doesn’t mean that killing unborn babies would be justified. The statement though, isn’t true. James 1:27, says “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” Part of our calling as Christians is to meet the needs of women and children in their hardships. This includes babies after they have been born. Pro- life Christians have been obedient to that call. Crisis Pregnancy Centers are pro-life alternatives to abortion centers and offer various services throughout the pregnancy. These services can include counseling, medical services, and even providing material needs like diapers and formula after the baby is born. Some even provide parenting classes. Many churches have stepped up as well to care for women in crisis pregnancies. So, to say that pro-lifers don’t care about the baby after it is born is blatantly false.

5. “Don’t force your religious convictions on me.”

This objection assumes that the pro-life position is religious and not a moral one. This objection falls apart when atheists protest abortion as well. Secular Pro-life is a non- religious pro-life organization. They say, “You don’t have to be religious to have a problem with killing humans.” While religion and morality are related, you don’t have to be a Christian to know that abortion is wrong.

6. “The Yes for Life Amendment will force women to give birth to stillborn children and prevent treatment for ectopic pregnancies.”

This is false. This amendment says nothing about abortion restrictions. It simply bans judges from finding a right to abortion in the constitution. This amendment ensures that the abortion debate will be decided in the legislature, not the courts. Kentucky’s current laws ensure that women can receive medical treatment for ectopic pregnancies and deceased children in utero.

7. “This amendment forces women who are victims of rape or incest to carry babies.”

The Yes for Life Amendment does not address the issue of rape, incest, or any other difficult situation involving a pregnancy. This Amendment ensures that legislators should create abortion policy instead of judges. Exceptions to Kentucky’s abortion laws can be addressed at any time whenever the legislature is in session.

Be prepared to answer these common objections. You’ll have an opportunity to be a voice for life on Tuesday, November 8th when you can vote Yes for Life, on Amendment 2. Early voting begins on October 26.