The right to choose

Today on tv I was hearing a debate within which a war of words broke out. The person with the pro-life position kept saying "abortion", and the person supporting the pro-abortion position repeatedly interrupted to replace the term "abortion" with the term "family planning".

Let me just say here that abortion and family planning are 2 different things...they are not interchangeable terms.

Abortion=murder of a child
Family Planning=informed birth control techniques practiced willingly by a married couple

Now...I support a woman's right to choose. Ok...so some of you who know me are trying to pick your jaws up off the floor at that statement. Before you get too far beside yourself, let me explain.

First...the Bible has ordained that sex is only appropriate within the confines of marriage. (Marriage, by the way, is between a man and a woman...not 2 of the same gender) In fact, in 1 Corinthians 7 the Bible pretty much requires a married couple to have sex...5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Second...life begins at conception. Psalm 51:5 says...Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. David knew life began at conception, surely we are clear on this truth.

Now...I know of no dictate in scripture that requires that sex is for procreation only. In fact, the scripture from 1 Corinthians above seems to give it a greater purpose...avoiding sexual temptation by satan. I don't know of any meaningful, scriptural argument against birth control. I conclude, then, that a woman (and man) has the right to choose. This choice takes place when they marry, when they choose birth control, and when they engage in intercourse. These are the points of choice. If pregnancy occurs, it is a child who is a gift from God and should be seen as such.

As an added note...I haven't found anything in scripture that says "if a woman is raped, is a victim of incest, or her life is in danger by having a baby, then the baby is not actually a child so it's not murder to kill it". That's right...the big 3 hold no water...they are a feel-good cop-out.

So...what about the unmarried woman having sex...should she have the "right to choose"? NO! If you are not married and you are having sex, STOP IT!!! You have no right to have sex if you are not married. Sex outside of marriage is sin. Your right to choose has nothing to do with a child...it is about choosing to have sex in the first place. That's where your right to choose begins and ends. Don't want to get pregnant? Keep your clothes on. Once they come off, your choice has been made.

Now that I've ranted and sounded all legalistic and judgemental, let me offer some grace...the good news. The truth of God, not condemnation, is my mission. If you find yourself currently, or at any point in your life on the wrong side of God's position on Marriage or sanctity of life, ask Him for direction and for forgiveness. This is the really great thing about God...he wants to forgive us...he wants us to come to Him no matter how sinful, dirty, or stained. He wants it so desperately he allowed His own son to be brutally murdered so we can be reconciled to Him. He loves us sooooo much...just confess, repent, and allow Him to forgive...and to love you.