Matthew 19:18 ESV “And Jesus said, “You shall not murder…”
Editor’s Note: Throughout the scriptures, God has made it clear that shedding innocent blood is murder, and no murderer will enter heaven. In addition to the death of the unborn baby, abortion also substantially harms the women and many times, families, husbands, boyfriends and a whole sphere of relationships connected to and surrounding each abortion. Often, lifelong guilt and other social, relational, spiritual and even physical problems follow the murder of innocent babes in the womb. Pastor Jim Bakker believes that this issue, abortion, may be the single most significant issue that brings God’s judgment on this nation more than any other.
New Zealand pro-life groups are praising a new report that shows the country’s abortion rate has struck a 20-year low.
Right To Life New Zealand credits increase public awareness that abortion is really murder and also of issues connected to the process.
“There is also an increasing awareness that abortion damages women’s health with an increased risk of breast cancer, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, grief, anger, regret and increased depression,” the group wrote in a statement.
“Right to Life commends those brave and courageous women who when faced with an unplanned pregnancy chose life for their child,” the statement continues. “These are truly heroic women who deserve our admiration and support. Right to Life also commends the majority of the medical profession who faithful to the Declaration of Geneva have sworn to maintain the greatest respect for human life.”
The abortion rate of 15.4 per 1,000 in 2013 was barely above the 1994 level of 15.3. The abortion rate for women under 19 also fell significantly, from 27 per 1,000 in 2007 to 14 per 1,000 in 2013.
The pro-life group Voice for Life praised the news but also had a bit of a somber tone in their celebration.
“While Voice for Life is pleased at today’s news of yet another decline in the abortion rate, we also feel a sense of great sadness and loss for the more than 14,000 human beings who were denied social justice and their fundamental human right to life last year in NZ.”
