In modern society, taking the life of an unborn child has become socially acceptable. Abortion is considered a pragmatic, practical solution to an unwanted pregnancy. The convenience and circumstances of women have priority over the life of the child.
In order to obtain a government funded abortion in Israel, women
must meet certain criteria. Yet, over 98% of those who apply for abortions are accepted.
I would like to share the story of a young couple who visited my office. Sixteen weeks pregnant with twins, Lara and her husband Leeor were very nervous. Leeor was pushing Lara to have an abortion because of financial worries. Despite phone conversations with our counselor, warnings from friends and even a rabbi’s wife, she reluctantly went for the abortion. After registering with the nurse, she sat crying. While waiting for the abortion, she received a text message from our office telling her that babies are a gift from God and that we are offering help. Finally, Lara gained enough courage to tell the nurse that she couldn’t go through with the abortion. Later that day, the couple came to our office, rejoicing that they had chosen life.
During the interview, I asked how it was that they had received permission for a free, government funded abortion since they didn’t meet the normal requirements, and since they are healthy and happily married. Lara explained that she’d been coached to lie about various facts and pay $50 to the psychiatrist for his letter of recommendation for an abortion for medical reasons.
Doctor’s referral for abortion:
To: _________, Termination of Pregnancy Committee, Hadassah
Hospital, __________
Regarding:_______, ID #__________, Date of birth__________
The patient was examined by me today [but he in fact never
checked her] because of her desire to terminate her pregnancy
of 13 weeks. She is a married woman who is in the process of a
divorce [not true], 23 years old, and the mother of two children
ages 4 years and 10 months. She is a homemaker. Since discovering her pregnancy she has become stressed, tense and has sleeping disorders [not true].
Follow up: the woman cooperates yet is stressed and tense. She does not suffer from delusions, or have intentions of suicide or self-inflicted violence. She is aware of her situation.
In light of the above, my recommendation is as follows: Due to her inability to cope with the pregnancy, her emotional state does not allow her to continue the pregnancy. I recommend termination of the pregnancy for psychiatric reasons.
Israeli opinions on abortion
A recent survey done for an Israeli teen internet program (Shetach Hadash) asked people on the street their opinion about abortion. The most common answers were the following:
– It’s complicated. As a religious person, I should be against, but…
– Depends on the situation
– Each one should choose
– Whatever a person thinks, personally I’m against.
– It’s her right to decide
– Each one is his own judge.
Public opinion reflected at the Knesset
Meeting in the Knesset: One of our counselors and I had the privilege of speaking personally with a Knesset (Israeli Parliament) member in November. Although the member was an Orthodox woman, who personally believes that life begins at conception, her attitude toward abortion reflected public opinion. She said:
– “I wouldn’t have an abortion myself, but my daughters would do all the possible tests. Why should a baby come into the world to suffer?” … pensively, she added, “Who’s to say what suffering is?”
– “I can understand the 18 year old soldier who wants to abort.”
– ”If you give a baby up for adoption, there’s no closure. You’re always wondering.”
– “Rabbis are becoming more liberal and realize that the woman’s life always has priority over that of the baby.”
– “We can’t turn the wheel backwards (regarding government funding of abortions), but I will ask Mr. Litzman (Minister of Health) not to increase government funding of abortions, and to create guidelines for the use of ultrasound.”
We thank God for this opportunity and pray for the Knesset member, and for others in positions of influence, that the starting point of our measurement of morality would be the TRUTH of the Word of God and not relative to our opinions or circumstances.
Join Us in Prayer
Our counselors in each major city in Israel give us their requests for the week so that we can intercede on behalf of those considering abortion, and for sick babies and needy families. If you would like to receive these weekly prayer lists by email, contact our office at [email protected].
Pray for our educational program to reach teachers, counselors, students and parents.
Pray for healing for the women who attend our post abortion workshops and for the Gardens of Life, a special place of memorial for unborn children. Trees are prayerfully planted in honor of babies miscarried, aborted or stillborn so that healing and closure can come to those who grieve.
Pray for the resources to support needy mothers and their babies.
Pray for brave Knesset members who will defend the rights of the unborn.
Pray for social media that will inform all women in crisis pregnancy of the opportunity for practical help, the humanity of the unborn child and the dangers of abortion.
Pray for our nation’s repentance for the shedding of innocent blood. Pray that our nation will hold to truth, becoming a leader in righteousness as God has called us to be.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. – Isaiah 60:1-3
This article originally appeared in Be’ad Chaim Life News, Winter 2016-2017, and reposted with permission.