What will they do next?

I need to be honest—I was outraged at the recent news article about Planned Parenthood offering gift certificates for various services they offer. More specifically, I’m talking about the $25 gift certificates that their clients could use to cover the cost of an abortion.

Some people may call me a right-wing bigot with no regard for people’s freedom to choose. Others may applaud my outrage and contribute their own thoughts and opinions. Before you decide how you feel about my initial reaction, let me explain why I feel the way I do.

I’m not the Christian who’s picketed in front of these clinics for hours—shouting cruel, hateful things to the patients who enter. I’m not the Christian who had always surrounded myself with other Christians so as to protect myself from the real world. And I’m definitely not the Christian who passes judgment easily on those who make the wrong decisions (trust me, I’ve traveled down the wrong path plenty of times).

I’ve seen first-hand what this tragedy can do to people—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and so on. Some of these victims have been my closest friends. And contrary to what some may believe, it’s a traumatic, life-altering experience that causes extreme emotional suffering and consequences for those who have experienced it (some sooner than later).

Not only this, it is in direct contrast to what we’re taught to value and stand for in God’s Word. This is one of those things that believers are called to speak out about. This is one of those things where we’re called to live out our values and rescue those who don’t know the consequences of their actions.

I say: Shame on Planned Parenthood for blatantly disregarding life—and shame on us if we sit back and don’t do anything about it.