Sanctity of Life Sunday

This Sunday is "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday," when many Americans pause to celebrate the dignity of all human life made in God's image (Gen. 1:27).

Did you know that since 1973, nearly 50 million legal abortions have occurred in the U.S.? On average, women give at least three reasons for choosing abortion: 3/4 say that having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities. About 3/4 also say they cannot afford a child. And 1/2 say they do not want to be a single parent, or are having problems with their husband or partner.

Learning of an unplanned pregnancy can be a frightening and confusing experience, especially for a young teen, a single mom, or a couple who are struggling financially. Life and death decisions are often made when emotions are running high. It's important for local churches and pro-life pregnancy clinics to provide these people with compassionate care and advice when they need it most.

Here are some other heartbreaking statistics about abortion:

• 22% of all U.S. pregnancies end in abortion.

• More than 23% of legally-induced abortions in the U.S. are performed in California. (About 15% of the nation's population live in the state.)

• Black women are more than 4.8 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to have an abortion.

• 88% of all abortions in the U.S. happen during the first trimester, prior to the at 13th week. 52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy.

• The total number of abortions across the whole world in one year is estimated to be 42 million.

Source: The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform and Abort73.com
Photo credit: Bill Davenport

**If you, or someone you know, is considering an abortion, please visit this link, or call 1-800-395-HELP for confidential counseling**