A recent study from Dr. Tricia Bruce at Notre Dame University revealed that American’s attitudes toward abortion are not always what they would seem to be based on polling data. She and her team conducted a study in which they interviewed people on their views regarding abortion, without letting them know ahead of time what they would be discussing. Rather than asking closed-ended polling questions, they spent over an hour talking to each interviewee and then analyzed the interviews for patterns and trends.
Most of the interviewees acknowledged that they had not given serious thought to the issue of abortion, and that it was a topic they had almost never discussed. “Nearly all Americans feel conflicted in some way about abortion,” observed Bruce. “Surveys underestimate the ambivalence that emerges when Americans talk through their own understandings of abortion.” Bruce also found that many interviewees would give one response regarding their views on abortion, and then follow up by explaining that their response doesn’t actually reflect their views, and that none of the individuals her team interviewed saw abortion as a desirable good. Near the conclusion of her report, Bruce writes,
Most Americans don’t know for themselves what they believe about abortion. No one has ever asked them, beyond a narrow dichotomy. Many are still figuring it out. Americans also find themselves bereft of scientific, legal, and moral lexicons to reason through difficult topics. Most work with a limited set of facts and tools in moral reasoning, leading them to positions without having contemplated the extent of implications.
So what should we, as pro-lifers do with this information?
First, we should be encouraged to see that many people are actually interested in having conversations about abortion. Many of the interviewees in Bruce’s study expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have a conversation about abortion, even though they had expressed wariness at first. “On demand without apology” may be the rallying cry of the loudest pro-abortion voices, but those who view abortion as a good thing are actually a small minority. If we just go off of data from closed-ended polls, we may be underestimating the number of people who are willing to discuss, listen, and be persuaded.
Second, we should be engaging people on a personal level. Given that most Americans are not really sure of what they believe about abortion, we should be creating opportunities for conversations about abortion. The legal fight against abortion matters. We must continue working to end abortion, and we cannot end abortion while allowing it to legally continue. But we must also recognize that, as important as legal victories are, there is more to building a culture of life. We care about real people, and as such, we want real people—our friends, our family, our neighbors, and our coworkers—to understand that every life, inside or outside of the womb, has value and dignity. We should take the time to listen to where people are coming from, not because someone’s opinions or experiences determine the morality of abortion—they do not—but because one of the ways that we acknowledge the dignity and value of others is by taking the time to listen to and winsomely engage with them.
Third, we should recognize that many pro-lifers would also benefit from the opportunity to talk about abortion. Bruce’s study found that many of the interviewees who described themselves as pro-abortion hold that position loosely and may not have given the issue careful consideration, but this cuts both ways. Many of the pro-life interviewees also held their position loosely and viewed it as permissible depending on the circumstances. Although a third of respondents viewed abortion as morally wrong, only 14% believed it should be completely illegal, meaning that there are plenty of pro-lifers who are attempting to find a “moderate” position on abortion. Abortion destroys an innocent human life, and as such, there can be no “moderate” stance on abortion. We need to be willing to have conversations about abortion in our own circles, as well, while also communicating that the pro-life movement offers compassion and grace.
Fourth, we should address underlying attitudes and assumptions driving abortion views. Many of the responses that Bruce recorded indicate that people understand right and wrong as something defined by the situation, rather than being defined based on an absolute standard, as well as a failure to see the inherent value of human life. These attitudes are symptomatic of a culture that desperately needs the gospel. Many of the pro-abortion responders also expressed concern about the quality of life of the mother and child. The pro-life movement has consistently offered help and support to women and families in difficult circumstances. We need to continue to meet this need, and also help people to see that the pro-life movement is compassionately meeting needs.
Bruce’s research shows that many Americans are deeply conflicted about abortion and have not thought carefully about the issue. In light of that, engaging with people on a personal level is vital. After all, as Bruce points out, “What is personal shapes what is political.” Abortion is a deeply personal issue for many people—close to one-quarter of women in the U.S. have had an abortion. While it is deeply personal, very few people have given serious thought to what they believe about abortion and why. There is much work to be done, and part of that is winsomely engaging with the people around us to help them see the value and dignity of every human.
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