A professor in a college ethics class presented his students with a problem. He said, “A man has syphilis, and his wife has tuberculosis. They have had four children: one has died, the other three have a terminal illness. The mother is pregnant. What do you recommend?” After a spirited discussion, most of the class voted that she should abort the child. “Fine,” said the professor. “You’ve just killed Beethoven.”
Beethoven’s life is not an isolated case! Here are three similar scenarios. The first is Pattie Mallette. She was sexually abused as a child and, by age 14, was using drugs and alcohol. She attempted suicide by throwing herself in front of an oncoming truck. Then, while staying in a psychiatric hospital, a friend led her to faith in Christ, and she became a Christian. But after just six months, she relapsed and, at age 17, discovered she was pregnant. Because of her young age and difficult situation, many people encouraged her to end her pregnancy. Pattie, however, insisted abortion was never an option. Today her son, Justin Bieber, can sing to millions of fans and inspire them as a living example of the sanctity of a human life. She tells her story in her book Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Bieber’s Mom.
Then there is Ethel Waters, a famed singer and actress and the second African American ever nominated for an Academy Award. Ethel was conceived in rape. She wrote about her birth in her autobiography, His Eye Is on the Sparrow: “So John Waters, my father, forced my mother to submit to him. She tried to fight him, but he raped her. She was only twelve, and that is how I was conceived.” Her talent and success only led to brokenness, but in her later years, she gave her heart to Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade. She went on to literally bless thousands while often touring with Graham in his crusades.
One more example would be Tim Tebow. Doctors told his mother Pam to abort her son after she became ill because of her pregnancy. Pam refused, instead asking God for a healthy baby. He answered her prayers with a future NFL player. Tim has used his success as a platform to share the gospel all over the world. He has also funded building a hospital in a needy part of the Philippines where he grew up. His “saved” life has “saved” the lives of many others!
Decisions to keep babies in dire circumstances instead of aborting resulted in Beethoven, Justin Bieber, Ethel Waters, Tim Tebow and who knows how many others. Every abortion stops a beating heart. Every abortion ends a life. Every abortion robs the world of someone who could have made a real difference in the lives of others. And every abortion robs a person of the opportunity to live life.
On Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, churches throughout the United States celebrate God’s gift of life, commemorate the lives lost to abortion, and commit to protecting human life at every stage. This year, the date is Sunday, January 23, 2022. Alliance Defending Freedom has developed tools for pastors and church leaders to use, and you can access them here.
I will be attending the Annual March for Life this Friday in Washington D.C. PLEASE PRAY for the safety of those attending and that our Supreme Court reverses the infamous Roe decision from 1973 that has resulted in the death of more than 63 million pre-born babies.
Also, visit Family Policy Alliance at www.AfterRoe.com to see the challenges ahead as we work to make Rhode Island a state where LIFE IS CHERISHED! To that end, please consider supporting this ministry monthly in 2022.
For Faith and Family in RI,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
