How to Have Age-Appropriate Conversations About Abortion
Written by: Passages of Hope team
A pro-life conversation is not a “one-and-done” type of thing. Our conversations about sanctity of life begins from day one, but some of us may not know how to start that conversation or what may be appropriate for kids to hear. We asked the experts: Parents!
Read books that support life
“You are Special” by Max Lucado
“God Gave Us You” by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Memorize abbreviated life-affirming Scripture. Explain the verses and encourage questions.
Genesis 1:27 - God created mankind in His own image
Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you
Psalm 139:13-16 - You knit me together in my mother’s womb; I am fearfully & wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; My frame was not hidden from you when I was made; Your eyes saw my unformed body
If you or someone you know is pregnant, let your children see the sonogram, hear the heartbeat, feel when the baby is moving, and sing to or read to the growing baby.
Participate as a family at a Walk for Life event.
Let them know their questions are important to learn from and to not fear asking questions when in doubt.
Memorize more and complete Scriptures.
Watch “Your Life Before Birth”, a free 4-D sonogram video provided by EDH, pausing at the different growth stages to answer questions.
Explain abortion in simple terms without being graphic.
An example of a simple way to describe abortion might go something like this: “When a doctor or a person purposefully ends a pregnancy before the child is born”.
You can also explain fetal and human development - babies can hear, taste, and smell. Share the truth that abortion is harmful and it’s our job to protect life. You can remind them of verses you have memorized that speak about God being the creator of all life and has a plan and a purpose for each of us.
Tour a local pregnancy center.
Attend a local March for Life where graphic posters are prohibited.
Talk about healthy, Godly relationships and highlight couples they know that have shown a good example in dating and marriage.
You can share your own challenges and victories in pursuing a Godly relationship. Show examples of Godly relationships and talk together about what safe boundaries look like.
Go through a study that focuses on pro-life apologetics. Remember that these are times to have open discussions, ask questions, and dig into tough issues together.
“Courageously Pro-Life” by Sarah Bowen
“Why Pro-Life” by Randy Alcorn
Continue to read books that address the topics of pro-life.
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
“A Perfect Persecution” by James Lucas
“The Atonement Child” by Francine Rivers
Practice asking and answering common pro-abortion objections.
Lighten up this activity into a game with agreed upon incentives. The winner earns lunch out or fishing or pushing dad/mom into the pool!
Encourage them to start or join a pro-life club at their school.
Discuss news events surrounding life issues by asking thought-provoking or general questions to start the conversation openly, not defensively.
Talk more in-depth about healthy, Godly relationships and unhealthy relationships, especially how to recognize the signs of both.
Teach them not to fear people who oppose their pro-life views.
Talk about ways they can respond to people who may not share an attitude of understanding. Most anger responses come from a place of pain. Instead of being offended, we can teach our children to pray for them.
Communicate unconditional love and admit mistakes.
Talking about how God saved you will teach them to be bold and courageous yet humble and gentle.
Get involved:
As a family, be fundraising-walkers that ask for pledges for life.
Volunteer at a pro-life pregnancy center.
Make goodie bags or care packages for a mother and baby. Drop them off together at a local pregnancy center to be handed out.
Live it out:
Show value to all life - the vulnerable, the young, the elderly, the disabled.
Talk about what humane, Godly treatment looks like.
Participate in events like the Special Olympics and be an advocate for special needs for friends and agencies.
Your life experiences and the experiences of others speak powerfully into the life of your kids. You know your child best, so there may be some exceptions to the age group guidelines due to the emotional maturity and special needs.
The pursuit of a life-giving culture begins with building up the next generation of strong pro-life advocates.
abortion • start the conversation • Whole Truth About Choice • Age-appropriate • How to start the conversation
Reference:
Bowen, S.M. (2019). Courageously Pro-Life: Equipping Believers to Transform Our World. Equipping the Next Generation: Talking to Children and Teens, pp. 113-125.