Delaware is on the brink of a significant change in its legal landscape regarding abortion, as lawmakers propose a constitutional amendment known as SB 5. This proposed legislation seeks to enshrine "reproductive freedom" as a fundamental right, raising serious concerns about the implications for life and morality in our society. While proponents argue that this amendment is about healthcare and rights, many Christians see it as a troubling step towards endorsing a culture that views human life as disposable.
At the heart of this debate is the biblical understanding of human dignity. The Bible teaches that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which means that every human life, from conception onward, carries intrinsic worth. The language of SB 5, which allows for decisions regarding "all matters relating to pregnancy, including … abortion care," undermines this truth. It sends a message that preborn lives can be discarded without moral consideration, contradicting the fundamental belief that life is sacred.
Nancy Pearcey, in her book Love Thy Body, highlights the philosophical underpinnings of this worldview, which reduces human value to mere self-awareness. This idea, often encapsulated in the phrase "I think, therefore I am," poses a significant threat. By framing personhood in terms of consciousness rather than inherent dignity, SB 5 risks treating the unborn as less than human. Such a perspective not only devalues life but also perpetuates a culture that prioritizes individual choice over moral responsibility.
The amendment also raises alarms about the relationship between sexuality and responsibility. 1 Corinthians 6:18 urges us to "flee from sexual immorality," yet SB 5 seems to encourage the opposite. By guaranteeing unrestricted access to abortion and sterilization, it disconnects sexual behavior from the responsibilities that come with it. This echoes the misguided promises of the sexual revolution, which claimed to offer freedom but instead led to broken families and societal chaos.
Carl Trueman, in The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, discusses how "expressive individualism" has become the dominant philosophy of our time, prioritizing personal autonomy over moral order. This ideology fuels policies like SB 5, which enshrine personal choice as the highest good while ignoring the consequences of such freedoms. As Pearcey points out, this low view of the body diminishes the biblical understanding of human sexuality, which is meant to be reserved for marriage and procreation.
Moreover, the role of government is to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, as outlined in Romans 13:1-4. Instead, SB 5 appears to legislate the right to end life in the womb. The amendment’s language, which prohibits any state interference with "reproductive freedom," creates a near-absolute right to abortion, prioritizing personal choice over the moral imperative to protect the most vulnerable among us—the unborn.
The implications of this amendment extend beyond adults; it could also affect minors. By establishing an unrestricted right to "reproductive freedom," the amendment could allow minors to undergo irreversible medical procedures without parental consent. This raises ethical concerns about the responsibility of parents and the protection of children from potentially life-altering decisions made under pressure or fleeting feelings.
Supporters of SB 5 argue that it safeguards rights, but in reality, it dismisses the scientific understanding of the distinct humanity of the unborn. It reinforces a secular worldview that treats life as a commodity rather than a sacred gift from God. When morality is sidelined, laws follow suit, leading to practices that are not only harmful but also offensive to the Creator.
The potential passage of this amendment would not signify a victory for freedom; rather, it would mark a concerning step toward moral decay. Christians are called to stand firm in the truth that true freedom is found in submission to God’s design, not in unrestricted autonomy. Lawmakers should reject this radical expansion of the sexual revolution and instead advocate for policies that honor the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human body.
Delaware faces a pivotal choice: to affirm life or to deepen moral confusion. Christians must boldly advocate for God’s design for life, family, and justice, urging lawmakers to reject SB 5. It’s time to choose life over chaos and to work towards a culture that respects and upholds the value of every human being.
For further insights into the implications of SB 5, you may refer to Focus on the Family and The Family Research Council.