Life is in the blood. Other organs nourish, transport and utilize blood but life exists where blood is pumping through one’s body. According to “Endowment for Human Development”, fetal heart rate begins 3 weeks and one day after fertilization. By week 4 after fertilization, blood is flowing inside the baby’s body and heart rate is 100-160 beats per minute. By week 12, nerves, spine and thalamus are established and the baby is able to feel pain.
What does this have to do with my vote? Glad you asked! Throughout history, cultures not protecting life, especially the lives of the innocents, did not fare well. Since the legalization of abortion in 1973, medically we have learned so much more about life of the child in the mother’s womb. No one, with good conscience and limited knowledge concerning life in the womb, can deny the personhood, the life, of a baby as it grows within it’s mother.
Ignorance, convenience, money and apathy are some reasons for the continuation of this horrific practice. I’m not going to tell you who to vote for. Due to my own self-conviction of apathy, I’ve taken the time to become informed of candidate positions on the subject of abortion. There is a surplus of false or slanted information available. So, I don’t rely on one source but use the Internet looking at both conservative and liberal opinions and statements. I also discuss with wise and knowledgeable sources.
The most important thing I do, is pray and read what God’s opinion is about this subject. I believe He is honored when I respect His advice and His principles. I also know first hand the benefits of following His advice as highlighted in the following Proverbs passage.
I believe I’m His created and loved child. So in following His wisdom, the self-conscious part of me is less likely to be in self –conflict and more likely to be in peace. Self-conflicting thoughts are known to cause inflammation, which can damage bodily tissues. Even though mine might be a minority opinion, I’m so much more healthy and at peace concerning my wise vote.
If you need wisdom–if you want to know what God wants you to do–ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. James 1:5 NLT
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. Proverbs 3:7-8 NLT