Rape
For many, the very word engenders a mental picture of violence – and that is what rape or sexual assault is.
The possibility of a baby’s being conceived through such action is enough to cause some pro-life people to believe rape is – and should be – an exception to any ban on induced abortion.
Abortion is seen as an automatic problem-solver. It is assumed that the woman pregnant through rape is anxious to get rid of the baby so that she can forget the assault AND the pregnancy.
Considerations:
- In no other incidence would we consider killing a child for the crime of his father.
- The act of rape has never carried the death penalty; how can we condone the death penalty for the innocent baby?
- Abortion does not undo the rape; the woman is violated twice.
- The effects of abortion are very similar to the effects of rape.
Rape victims have overwhelming feelings of anger, depression, and guilt. They feel dirty and violated and can have flashbacks, nightmares, and insomnia. After being assaulted, many show a lack of interest in friends and family and become isolated. Some even contemplate suicide.
Women who abort their baby may suffer from post-abortion syndrome with all of the accompanying emotional and psychological impact of the rape victim. (See the Post Abortion Complications article.)
Why does this happen?
The rape was done to her. She was the victim of unspeakable violence and violation. In obtaining an abortion, she is a willing participant in a second act of violence, the killing of her pre-born child.
If abortion is used as the solution, the victim is often expected to “go home and forget about it (the rape).”
The prolife community cannot agree with that. The assault victim needs our love and concern. The healing process may take a long time. We are willing to walk with her.
Testimonies given by victims of rape are available as well as testimonies from adults who were the “product” of a rape.
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Incest
Incest is sexual assault or molestation by a boy or man who is related to the victim as brother, father, uncle, grandfather, cousin, possibly as “step” relationships. It may be a violent act or a supposed act of “love.”
The incest victim may need as much protection as does her unborn child. Aborting her child puts her at risk of the same physical, emotional and psychological repercussions as the rape victim.
Abortion may be used to cover up the incestuous relationship. The victim is forced to abort and forced back into the incestuous situation by abusive parent(s) or guardians. Proof of paternity is lost in the abortion.
Regardless of the manner of conceiving, abortion can bring harm to the mother and always kills a baby.
