Examining the Ethical Dilemmas of Abortion: Insights from NT Wright
A recent podcast episode featuring renowned theologian NT Wright delved into the complex ethical issues surrounding abortion. Wright discussed the difficult scenarios where abortion may be considered, while affirming that, in general, it remains a tragic act, particularly when performed in the later stages of pregnancy.
On the latest episode of “Ask NT Wright Anything,” Wright responded to a listener’s inquiry on why Christians should protect life from conception and oppose abortion. The listener also mentioned challenging situations like pregnancies resulting from rape or decisions involving the mother’s and child’s health.
Wright shared a personal anecdote about a woman he knew who faced potential complications during pregnancy due to rubella exposure. He recounted that medical advice suggested termination if severe deformity threatened the unborn child, asserting that such action was warranted to preserve the mental health of the parents. Ultimately, the child was unaffected by the disease.
This experience heightened Wright’s sensitivity to situations where maternal health conflicts with the child’s well-being. He also noted that in cases of rape or incest, a strong argument exists for considering termination with sorrow, as these pregnancies ideally should not have occurred.
Wright criticized laws permitting abortions up to birth as “repulsive” and condemned sex-selective abortions at birth as acts of “murder.” He summarized his stance by stating that, while abortion should not be encouraged, exceptions may exist, such as severe deformity or pregnancies resulting from incest or rape.
Highlighting the importance of timing, he stressed that at a certain stage, the fetus becomes a viable being deserving of protection. His personal experience with fatherhood reinforced his belief that fetuses are aware and not merely “inert lumps of matter.”
According to Wright, “We’re not just talking about some inert lump of matter which we can just get rid of as we please.” He emphasized the need for respect for God’s creation in abortion discussions, acknowledging that exceptions might represent the “least worst option.”
Wright openly criticized the Roman Catholic Church’s strict anti-abortion stance, viewing it as patriarchal control over women’s choices, particularly in cases of rape and incest.
He initially suggested that anti-abortion sentiments are often rooted in opposition to changing sexual norms rather than a pure desire to safeguard human life. He noted, “Many devout Christians, from then on, just thought ‘abortion, that’s to do with the breakdown of family standards, with the breakdown of traditional Christian values as a whole.’”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
