Is Abortion the Answer After a Sexual Assult?

By Tasha Caruthers and Janet Gura

Although it is estimated that about 1% of all women sexually assaulted will become pregnant as a result of this encounter, we are grateful that we have had the opportunity to be a place of refuge for women who find themselves in this tragic situation.

Through my years of service at First Choice we have met with many women who find themselves in the midst of very difficult circumstances, facing difficult decisions. I have heard countless stories of relationship struggle that weighs heavy in each woman’s decision of what to do in the midst of her unplanned pregnancy. I have heard women share their past abortion stories and the result of varying levels of emotional trauma from the abortion experience. My heart breaks for all of these women and their circumstances. My heart breaks for some of the pregnancy decisions they make and the affects those decisions will have on their own emotional and spiritual well-being.

As I think of some of the difficult sexual assault stories these women have shared with me, two specific women come to mind. The two women could not appear more different, coming from very different life circumstances. “Marley” had a tragic family story full of death, drugs, and abandonment. “Raven” had a picture perfect family story full of supportive, involved, and caring parents. Marley had limited education and an unstable, minimum wage job. Raven had a full ride athletic scholarship to college. Marley had no dreams of ever being pregnant due to specific life choices. Raven had dreams of meeting the perfect man and having a “normal” family one day. However, these two women shared clear and tragic experiences. Both women sat before us visibly shaken, scared, and nervous. Both Marley and Raven were pregnant as a result of a sexual assault.

So often we hear that rape is the “exception” to the “abortion is never right” rule. People suggest that encouraging a women to carry a child to term that was conceived by rape would be cruel. People proclaim that being the “product” of rape is too weighty of a burden to force upon a child. People think that abortion is the quick and easier solution to helping a rape victim move past the event of the assault and onto healing. Allow us to challenge this thinking by sharing a little more of Marley and Raven’s stories.

Marley discovered her pregnancy many months after the assault and, therefore, had to make some quick decisions about what she was going to do regarding her pregnancy. Initially, Marley was only interested in discussing abortion. As time went on, Marley decided to carry to term and place her baby for adoption. When Marley went into premature labor her need to make decisions moved very quickly. In a follow up conversation with Marley, she explained that she ultimately decided to parent her baby. The joy in Marley’s voice made her unrecognizable to our ears. Marley is still struggling with the aftereffects of the sexual assault but, choosing life for her baby and having him in her life has brought unimaginable joy and a step towards healing.

Raven does not have the same story. With the encouragement of her spiritual leadership and support of her parents, Raven chose to have an abortion. In a follow up conversation with Raven, the added despair could be heard in her voice. Not only is Raven struggling to work through the events of the sex assault, now she is trying to sort through the emotional turmoil of having an abortion.

It is interesting to note that the common long term effects that women have as a result of having an abortion are depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, guilt, and inability to trust those around her.  These same issues are present in sex assault survivors as well.  Both of these tragic events will separate these women from Christ.  Their self hatred and guilt will keep them in an evil spiral taking them further and further from the forgiveness, grace and mercy waiting for them.  The true war on women is our culture promoting sexual freedom with the gifts of abortion, medications and birth control but then denying any real physiology, psychological and spiritual harm that results.  

We are so blessed to be on the front lines of ministry with women just like Marley and Raven.  We hope and pray that we can continue to be used to help with healing as these women process their abuse and move forward in their lives.  We pray to show them the absolving love of Christ and that He can tenderly care for their wounds.