WARNING: CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC

Is it possible to be pro-choice and Christian? Well, I am, and have been for years and will most likely continue to be so. Now, I am only twenty and have yet to have a child (which won't happen for a long while), so my opinions regarding abortion might evolve as I grow into my womanhood, but up until now I have been a practicing Christian and an advocate of the pro-choice movement.

I see the pro-choice movement as an embrace of free-will, something gifted to us by God himself. This movement is not saying that because one has the option of abortion, she should, therefore, be granted the freedom to act as licentiously as she desires; it is allowing women to feel secure in their actions without fear of irreversible consequences. (Yes, abortion will have consequences regardless, namely mental, emotional, and spiritual...); it is providing women with a second chance; it is advocating for the use of the female body at each individual woman's discretion, not merely for child-rearing. It allows women to worry less about acting so traditionally conservative (because men do not have to to still be perceived as good).

In addition, criticizing one's decisions and beliefs is the opposite of Christ-like. To love and accept one another despite vices it was Christianity is all about. The Christ movement aims to provide humans with the tools to live their lives to the fullest while still glorifying the Lord. It does not aim to tear people down for their mistakes or judge them with unmerciful shame.

Simply because one strongly possesses a particular stance regarding a topic as controversial as abortion does not that opinion the right one or the only one. Dissenting opinions will always exist, so learn to live with them.

There is no right or wrong, black or white, regarding this issue. The opinions regarding this topic are on a spectrum of gray, based on so many influencing factors.

What ramifications will the reaction of those around one (your loved ones, friends, co-workers, classmates) have if she decides to carry her child to term or not?

Pregnancy has not only physical, but also mental and spiritual consequences that could be detrimental to the mother and inherently the child. A pregnant woman might not be ready to be a mother, nor might she be ready to give her baby away.

Should we treat the abortion topic with a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality, Reserving judgment for only those situations which we have the right and privilege to nudge our way into? No judgment does not mean condoning the sinful, but it means loving them despite their sins.

One woman might not make the same choices as another, but each has reasons in her own right to decide how to treat her body. If you do not agree with one woman's actions, it is not in your privilege to condemn her. It is, however, your responsibility to treat her with the justice and respect that is deserved a human being.

Everyone fights their own battles. Everyone has their own reasons for their actions. Those reasons might not align with your values. But get over it. Take the high road. Be the bigger person. Set an example. Humans learn through repetition. Be someone worth repeating.