Post-Abortive Woman's Vote

The Post-Abortive Woman’s Vote

by | Oct 24, 2016

There was nearly an audible gasp around our nation when Hillary Clinton defended a late term abortion procedure in the last presidential debate. She outlined a rare truth that most Americans don’t realize – abortion is legal in our nation up until the moment of birtheven when a child can survive outside the womb. 

Democratic pollsters believe Hillary can count on the female vote. But what about the one third of American voting women that has chosen abortion?

Since post-abortive women are impossible to identify, much less survey, early polls can’t project the impact our vote may have on this election. Because few of us confess to this choice, voting may be our only form of protesting a decision that left us mothers of dead children.

Immediately after aborting, many feel a temporary “relief” from the confusion, panic and upset that often surrounds this choice. I endured this momentary reprieve but soon found myself continually recounting the reasons my abortion was a good choice.

Abortion meant my college dreams were attainable. My mother would never endure societal shame due to an unwed daughter’s pregnancy. My boyfriend’s threats of abandonment if I didn’t abort were also silenced.

Recently post-abortive women often vote pro-choice out of a sense of OBLIGATION believing, “They helped me resolve my crisis.  I should support them, at least with my vote.” These are often the young women on Planned Parenthood’s side at protest lines.

I volunteered for the Democratic Party during the election after my abortion. I felt led to help other women and perhaps “give back” to the pro-choice movement that kept abortion legal. It seemed logical that volunteering might offset the unexplained guilt I was enduring. I was still working to convince myself that abortion had been a good decision. What better way than by supporting it politically?

My first DNC call to voters required reading a script that outlined my support for “abortion.”  I was shocked that simply voicing the word produced immediate anxiety in my heart. I hung up, left the precinct and never returned.

I don’t remember how I voted that year. That call triggered deep emotional pain which had no reason to exist in my mind. I thought I was going insane and avoided promoting abortion in the future.

Seven years later, I experienced “motherhood wonderment” when first holding my next child. Abortion became a very different concept in that moment. I was reminded of my lost child when I gazed into my baby’s face. How could I love this child if I hadn’t loved my first?

My understanding that abortion wasn’t a positive choice began then. Still, I rationalized that faced with a similar situation, I’d make the same choice. My internal defense of abortion grew deeper when I realized without making that choice, I wouldn’t be holding my beloved newborn.

The moment when my heart shifted instantly from pro-choice to pro-life occurred when I discovered the truth about late term abortion.  Incredulously, on my first day working for a large Christian ministry, Focus on the FamilyDr. James Dobson described a horrifying late term abortion procedure. He shared that abortion was legal up until the moment of birth. I had no idea. That understanding changed everything.

Dr. Dobson then said, “I know I’m talking to many women who have experienced abortion. I want you to know that there is no sin that God cannot forgive. The problem may be you don’t forgive yourself and you may need help….”

This pro-life leader spoke to my demographic directly, and offered me the hope of God’s healing for my heart’s pain. I discovered peace through a Bible-based abortion recovery program. Then I began my ministry efforts to provide other choices to women in unexpected pregnancies by helping pregnancy centers.

Hillary Clinton defended late term abortion perhaps believing she could reinforce the support of millions of post-abortive women.  Instead, she educated a silent demographic regarding the barbarity of a procedure that is never necessary for the health of the mother.

If you are post-abortive, please read Proverbs 24:11-12a – Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.  If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

You’ve now been educated. A good step in addressing any abortion pain is to simply not vote for pro-choice candidates. Casting such a vote can trigger emotional and spiritual pain because it means you are personally endorsing abortion.

If last week’s debate produced any unresolved emotional or spiritual pain in your heart, or in those that you love, know that God’s redemption is available. Ramah International is here to help!

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