The subject of abortion has been a source of contention for many generations, and the rhetoric has only become more heated following the recent but long-overdue reversal of the famous Roe v. Wade decision, the Supreme Court ruling that attempted to position abortion as a constitutionally assured right. Passions run high on both the pro-life and pro-choice sides of the debate. The battle lines were drawn long ago, and sometimes it feels as if they are intractable, but even tremendous shifts in public values tend to happen one heart at a time.
As a pro-life obstetrician and Christian, I believe it is essential to address common pro-abortion arguments with compassion, clarity, and medical facts. The goal is to inform, not attack, and to defend the sanctity of life by presenting scientific evidence and reasoned responses. Below are some of the most frequently raised pro-choice arguments, along with thoughtful pro-life answers.
1. “It’s just a clump of cells, not a baby.”
This is one of the most frequently heard arguments, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. While it is true that the preborn baby begins as a single cell, this argument overlooks the rapid and miraculous development happening in the womb. 18 days after conception, the preborn baby’s heart is beating. By ten weeks gestation, there are 1 billion cells, all genetically unique from Mom, Dad, or the other 8 billion people on Earth. All major organs are forming, and the child can even begin to make movements. At 12 weeks, unique fingerprints develop, highlighting the individuality of this life.
The DNA from the moment of conception contains all the genetic information needed to determine eye color, hair type, and even potential talents. To say that the preborn child is “just a clump of cells” ignores the undeniable biological reality that this is a unique, developing human being. Genetically identical cells will differentiate, only reading portions of the total DNA, and begin to form into specialized organs and organ systems. This process is called cell differentiation. We know exactly what changes to expect from day 18 to day 19, but how these individual cells know what their role will be the next day still remains a mystery. The only explanation is that such amazing design requires an amazing Designer. After all, we can accurately describe fully grown adult human beings as a “clump of cells”, too (35 million of them!)
1.“Women should have the right to control their own bodies.”
The argument of bodily autonomy is a fundamental pro-choice position, but it is based on the premise that the preborn child is merely an extension of the mother’s body. However, science shows that this is not the case. From conception, the preborn child has its own distinct genetic makeup, separate from the mother. By the time a woman finds out she’s pregnant, the baby already has a separate heartbeat, unique DNA, and its own blood type. The blood of the baby does not mix with the blood of the mother. During many forms of fetal surgery, the baby will often be assigned their own anesthesiologist.
While women absolutely have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, the preborn child is not a part of the woman’s body; it is a new life, a new body — one that deserves protection. Pregnancy involves the complex interplay of two bodies, each with its own inherent value and rights; a pro-life perspective advocates for considering and safeguarding both lives.
3. “Abortion is necessary in cases of rape or incest.”
Rape and incest are undeniably traumatic and horrific experiences, and women who endure these situations deserve every compassion and support we can offer. These cases need to be investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the highest extent of the law. However, abortion is not the answer.
Adding violence to violence does not bring healing. Taking the life of an innocent preborn child does not undo the harm caused by the assault. We do not punish a child for the sins of their father. On the contrary, abortion adds a second trauma — one that haunts many women for years afterward. Studies have linked abortion to increased rates of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, and that is a burden that an already suffering woman should not have to bear. These women deserve all support necessary from society and the Church.
Furthermore, many children conceived in rape have gone on to live meaningful, productive lives. The circumstances of their conception do not diminish their value. Every preborn child, regardless of the circumstances of their conception, is a unique individual with potential and purpose. The most compassionate response is to offer love and support to both the mother and child. My dear friend, John, was conceived in rape, and he is one of the most passionate defenders of life in the womb that you will ever meet.
4. “If abortion is illegal, women will be forced into unsafe, back-alley abortions.”
Abortion proponents arguing the necessity of keeping abortion legal often paint a grim picture: great swaths of American women dying from dangerous, unregulated abortions as a result of limitations or bans on pregnancy termination. However, this argument is rooted in outdated data.
In fact, countries that have outlawed abortion, such as Ireland before 2018, had some of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the world. Advances in medicine and technology, as well as better access to prenatal care and support systems, have made pregnancy and childbirth a largely safe experience for women today, and adoption provides a viable alternative to abortion for those who feel they are not ready to be parents. Society’s focus should be on providing comprehensive support for women, both medically and emotionally, so that no woman feels that abortion is her only option.
5. “What about a woman’s right to choose?”
Pro-life advocates believe that choice is important, but we must look closely at what is being chosen. Abortion is not just a medical procedure — it is the deliberate ending of a life. When we talk about “choice,” we must also consider the preborn child’s right to life, which is a fundamental human right. We would not speak of “choice” when describing crimes committed against adults, such as robbery, assault, or murder; the lives of the preborn have the same moral weight, and crimes against them are just as egregious.
Moreover, true choice involves offering women real alternatives. Many women feel pressured into abortion because they lack resources or support, or because the fathers of their babies do not want to bear the responsibilities of fatherhood. By providing comprehensive care (like the resources offered by crisis pregnancy centers), we enable women to choose life with confidence and peace of mind.
Empowering Women and Protecting Life
The pro-life position is about much more than being “anti-abortion.” It is about affirming the inherent value of every human life, from conception to natural death, and empowering women with the resources, care, and support they need to choose life. The science of fetal development is clear: life begins at conception. Each preborn child is a unique, irreplaceable human being deserving of protection.
If you’re passionate about protecting life in the womb or want to learn more about the scientific and medical facts surrounding this issue, I encourage you to explore the resources available on my website, ProLifeDoc.org. You can also check out my new curriculum, designed to equip you with the scientific, medical, and ethical knowledge and tools to defend the lives of the preborn effectively. Together, we can work to protect and celebrate life at every stage.
