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Page 102 of 132 Pregnancy is a natural result of sexual activity and integral to God’s design and command for humans to “be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28). If God permits a pregnancy, planned or unplanned, we should understand that God is forming a new life in his image. Sex is a responsible act only in a relationship in which a couple is willing to care for any children that can come from that union. However, in stark contrast to the biblical vision, irresponsible and flippant treatment of sex abounds in our society. It is no wonder that unplanned pregnancy similarly abounds and places many parents and their children in environmentally, economically and emotionally precarious states. We recognize the pain, fear and even anguish that sometimes accompanies an unplanned pregnancy. The parents, particularly when they are young or unmarried, are often overwhelmed by the sacrifices that would be required to care for a young life. In too many cases, fathers desert their partners and unborn children as soon as pregnancy is discovered. Abandoned pregnant mothers may feel hopeless in the face of the daunting challenges of single parenting. Sadly, many fathers and mothers in these situations each year turn away from the joys and responsibilities of parenting or the alternative of adoption, and many then bear heavy burdens stemming from those decisions for years to come. Approximately half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and more than 40 percent of these three million unplanned pregnancies are aborted. This accounts for the vast majority of America’s abortions every year. 3 Any serious attempt to reduce the number of abortions must therefore come to terms with unplanned pregnancy, the pandemic of extramarital sex and the complex issues surrounding contraception and other family planning methods. Where couples are not willing to accept the responsibilities of parenting, they should educate themselves about ethical methods of family planning. The <strong>Church</strong> is understandably reluctant to recommend contraception for unmarried sexual partners, given that it cannot condone extramarital sex. However, it is even more tragic when unmarried individuals compound one sin by conceiving and then destroying the precious gift of life. Witness the far reaching consequences to King David’s sins of adultery and murder. 4 In some cases, couples embracing pregnancy face diagnoses of potential complications for their prenatal child. Too often these diagnoses are accompanied by suggestions towards abortion. For example, prenatal diagnoses of Down syndrome result in abortion in approximately 90 percent of such situations. 5 We are deeply saddened not only by such a staggering trend but also its subtle eugenic implications. Parenting a child with physical or developmental difficulties can be a significant challenge but also a great blessing. We believe churches should strive to be communities offering extra love and support for families who conceive or adopt special needs children. We do not wish to exalt a one-size-fits-all approach to abortion reduction. Rather, we urge church leaders, always with a mind to honor God’s gifts of life and sex and his holy institutions of marriage and family, to seek out strategies appropriate for their congregations and communities. We are grateful for those already working in ministries supporting children and youth, pregnancy care, adoption, single parents and parents of children with special needs, poverty relief, biblically 2 COB Meeting July 19-20, 2010
Page 103 of 132 sound family planning, sexual purity and accountability, and marriage strengthening. Each of these ministries can contribute to reducing the number of abortions. We commend the NAE’s “Theology of Sex” as a publication to aid evangelicals in properly understanding and cherishing human sexuality, building strong families, respecting human dignity and celebrating the precious gift of life. Moreover, we commission the NAE Generation Project to encourage evangelicals and society-at-large toward cooperative efforts and practical solutions that create an environment where sex is honored, life is cherished, parents are supported and the number of abortions is reduced. 1 Jones, Rachel K. et al. “Abortion in the United States: Incidence and Access to Services, 2005.” Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/4000608.pdf. Vol. 40 (1), March 2008. 2 Smith, Gregory and Allison Pond. “Slight but Steady Majority Favors Keeping Abortion Legal; Most Also Favor Restrictions.” Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. http://pewresearch.org/pubs/959/slight-but-steady-majorityfavors-keeping-abortion-legal . September 16, 2008. 3 “Briefly… Unplanned Pregnancy in the United States.” The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/briefly-unplanned-in-the-united-states.pdf. May 2008. 4 2 Samuel 11 5 Mansfield et al. “Termination rates after prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, spina bifida, anencephaly, and Turner and Klinefelter syndromes: a systematic literature review.” PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10521836. September 1999. 3 COB Meeting July 19-20, 2010
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Page 89 and 90: Page 89 of 132 [ ] Church Plant [ ]
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