It seems that the devil has a great time distracting and confusing Christians by all sorts of discussions and language changes. The current discussion doing the rounds is the ‘yes or no’ campaign for same-sex marriage. I am not suggesting for a moment that the up-coming postal vote on this subject isn’t important. It is and let us be diligent in casting our vote.

However, I wonder whether this discussion isn’t distracting us from even more serious legislation that is already law, yet hardly gets any airtime at all. The Victorian Abortion Reform Act was introduced in 2008 and passed by Parliamentarians when they were allowed a conscience vote. As a result, the law allows unborn babies with Down Syndrome or any other disability, even just a cleft palate, to be aborted. Currently, the estimated number of abortions which are performed in Australia is 80,000 per annum. Approximately, 34% of Australian women aged between 20-29 who have ever been pregnant have had an abortion.

As it stands currently in Victoria, women are allowed to have an abortion up to 24 weeks pregnant. Sometimes the father may agree on this procedure, but women do not need to consult with the father if they don’t wish to. They can decide on an abortion without any further consultation.

After 24 weeks, the law allows for an abortion if two doctors agree that the abortion is appropriate considering all circumstances. In making their decision, doctors must consider all relevant medical circumstances and the woman’s current and future physical, psychological and social circumstances. Although it is uncommon for abortions to occur after 24 weeks, the usual reason given is for fetal abnormality. That can range from a cleft palate to Down Syndrome or some other abnormality.

In both of the above issues, the devil is extremely good at playing down the seriousness of these evils by using ‘softer’ or less ‘confronting’ language. For instance, what was referred to as committing adultery (biblical language) is now often referred to as an extra-marital affair. Or, what was up until recently called ‘homosexual’ sin (Biblical language) is now referred to as marriage-equality. The same is true of abortion. The mother doesn’t abort a baby, but an embryo or a fetus. Abortion, when the mother’s life is not in jeopardy, is an evil thing. Human beings are made in the image of God and so are unborn babies. The Scriptures are clear, “You shall not murder” and unborn babies are human beings, made in the image of God (Psalm 139:15-16).

So, why raise this issue now? For two reasons. Recently, we attended a funeral of a still-born baby of six months old. In all my time of ministry, I don’t think I have ever been so moved or seen more tears and sadness, not just by the Christian couple who suffered the tragic loss, but by all family members, friends, and the supporting congregation. So, let’s reach out to expecting mums and support them during their pregnancies and assist them in whatever way we can so that they would never need to contemplate murder. And for those who have succumb to this temptation, let us extend our love and compassion to them, reminding them that there is also forgiveness and healing with Christ.

A second reason is that on Saturday, 7th October, there is an opportunity to “Stand and Speak” for babies at the “March for Babies” march. The meeting begins at 1.00 pm, at the Treasury Gardens, Cnr. Spring St and Wellington Rd., Melbourne. If you wish to be part of this, please wear pink or blue in support.

So, in the coming weeks, we have two things to voice an opinion on. “No” to same-sex marriage and “No” to murder. JZ