What Does It Mean To Be Pro Life?

The abortion debate remains one of the most divisive issues in American society, yet many Christians find themselves unequipped to engage meaningfully on this topic. In a recent conversation with Stuart Kellogg, founder of Students in Action Building Pro-Life Leaders, we explored how the church has largely fallen silent on pro-life advocacy – and why that silence must end.

Kellogg's approach represents a refreshing perspective on pro-life education. Rather than relying on graphic imagery or inflammatory rhetoric, his curriculum focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the issue through five distinct modules: Christian Worldview, Truth in Life, History of Abortion and Pro-Life Movements, and Defending the Pro-Life Position. The materials are freely available through pro-lifeleaders.net, with users only incurring costs for printing and shipping. This accessibility removes barriers for churches and youth groups hesitant to engage with the topic.

What makes this approach particularly effective is its dual emphasis on intellectual understanding and practical engagement. Students not only learn about the philosophical and theological foundations of the pro-life position but also connect with local pregnancy centers for hands-on experience. This combination helps young people develop both the conviction and compassion necessary to advocate effectively. As Kellogg noted, "The most powerful [argument] is: it is morally wrong to kill an innocent human being. Abortion kills an innocent human being. Therefore, abortion is wrong."

The conversation revealed a disturbing trend in how abortion is increasingly normalized and even celebrated in specific segments of society. Particularly concerning is the accessibility of abortion pills, which can now be acquired without proper medical supervision. Despite FDA claims that these pills have only a 0.5% chance of serious adverse effects, a recent study examining over 800,000 insurance forms discovered the actual rate is closer to 11% – twenty times higher than officially reported. This discrepancy highlights the misleading information being provided to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Perhaps most revealing was our discussion about why churches often avoid addressing abortion from the pulpit. Some fear losing members and donations. Others worry about their tax-exempt status (though Kellogg emphasized this concern is unfounded). Most significantly, many pastors and congregations feel unprepared to handle such a contentious issue. This reluctance leaves young Christians particularly vulnerable as they encounter pro-abortion arguments in schools and universities without having developed a thoughtful response rooted in both compassion and conviction.

The path forward requires a fundamental shift in approach. Rather than viewing abortion as merely a political issue, Christians must recognize it as fundamentally about the value of human life – all human life. This means extending compassion to women facing unplanned pregnancies rather than judgment. It means acknowledging that many women choose abortion due to a lack of support, then working to provide that support. And it means creating spaces where those who have had abortions can find healing rather than condemnation.

As Kellogg powerfully stated, we need to "talk more about life, and life includes life in the womb, but it also includes life of those on the street... We don't talk enough about life." This holistic perspective elevates the conversation beyond partisan politics to the fundamental question of how we value human dignity from conception to natural death. When Christians lead with love rather than judgment, we create space for honest conversations that can truly change hearts and save lives.