The issue of abortion is a very sensitive one, and it would be foolish to make simplistic comments or easy judgments on the subject. Whatever one thinks of the abortion debate, it is sobering to discover that in the year 2011 almost 190,000 abortions were carried out in England and Wales. I have the feeling that as a society we sometimes too easily relegate this issue to the back of our minds without considering the full implications.
One aspect of the abortion debate which certainly demands the utmost sensitivity is the issue of the relationship between abortion and disability. It was announced recently that a cross-party commission of MPs will re-examine the issue, bearing in mind the fact that the current legal limit of 24 weeks for abortions does not apply in cases where tests indicate that the child may be disabled when born. The commission will review how the law works and how the legislation could be developed in the future.
There are many who argue that the current law discriminates against disabled people. By allowing late abortions where there is a belief that the child is disabled, are we saying the disabled people are of less value or worth than people who are not disabled? If so, what kind of message does that give to those disabled people who are living happy, fulfilled and productive lives? On the other hand, there are those who say that we ought to give parents the choice whether or not to give birth to a disabled child (though the tests for disability are not 100% accurate, as I know from accounts of couples who were informed that their baby was disabled, only to deliver a perfectly healthy baby).
I was interested to listen to a discussion on Breakfast News one morning last week on this issue. One of the guests being interviewed was artist Alison Lapper, who was born without arms. I was impressed by her contribution to the debate, but was absolutely horrified by one thing she said, namely that “my mother was told that I was God’s punishment.” My mind went back to a conversation I had had with an elderly couple many years ago. They told me that early in their married life they had a still-born baby. I was disgusted to hear that when the minister visited them at the time, the first thing he said was, “You must have done something very bad to deserve that.” What an appalling thing to say, and what a twisted view of the nature and character of God, as is the idea that God would punish a mother by giving her a disabled baby.
In God’s eyes, EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING IS PRECIOUS. We humans may make judgements based on appearance, size, capabilities, fame, wealth etc., but God loves us all equally. I pray that God would forgive us when as Church we have not modelled or demonstrated his love for ALL people. Someone I greatly admire is a man called Nick Vujicic. Nick was born without arms and legs. His childhood and teenage years were hard, as he struggled to come to terms with his situation and feelings of inadequacy. Now he is an inspiration to many as he travels the world with a message of encouragement and hope (there are a number of clips of Nick on YouTube). He knows personally how much God loves and values him, and he wants others to have that same understanding.
In some ways this issue is linked with the ongoing debate about care of the elderly. It is desperately sad when we hear about elderly people being neglected and their rights disregarded. It is a sad comments on the state of our society when we relegate certain people to second class status. It is interesting that Jesus himself faced such prejudice in the 1st century. Women, children, disabled and foreigners were among those who were looked down upon. Thank God that Jesus demonstrated by his love and compassion for all people that God’s love is not restricted or rationed. In fact he shocked many by the way he welcomed all who came to him. He said, ‘I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.’ (John 6:37). His words are just as true today!
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