In Francis Schaeffer’s influential 1979 book and video series, “Whatever Happened to the Human Race?” he passionately argued that abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia were clear signs of America’s declining reverence for the sanctity of life. Evangelicals, he insisted, had a moral imperative to reverse this troubling trend. Nearly half a century later, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, represents a significant legal victory aligning with Schaeffer’s vision — but has it truly succeeded?

From a legislative standpoint, Dobbs undeniably accomplished a central goal of the pro-life movement: returning abortion regulation to individual states and significantly reducing abortion access in many regions. Yet, despite achieving this legal milestone, Dobbs has not garnered broad support among the American public. National polls consistently indicate that approximately 60% —70% of Americans disapprove of the reversal of Roe.

Interestingly, recent surveys reveal nuanced attitudes even among evangelical Christians. Pew Research done last year found that about 25% of white evangelicals believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Navigator Research’s post-Dobbs survey revealed further complexity: approximately 44% of evangelicals now identify as pro-choice, compared to 51% who identify as pro-life. These findings illustrate that a substantial minority — ranging from one-quarter to nearly half — of evangelicals support abortion rights, depending on how the question is framed. Clearly, Dobbs has not dramatically shifted public opinion and may even have prompted backlash within some faith communities.

To me, this highlights a glaring inconsistency in evangelical thought. Evangelicals routinely trust women to make profound spiritual choices, such as accepting Christ, selecting a marriage partner, determining family size, and choosing careers.

Evangelicals even affirm women’s capability to serve on the Supreme Court, making decisions that affect millions. Yet many hesitate to trust women with the deeply personal decision regarding whether to terminate a pregnancy.

Notably, Lifeway Research found that 16% of women who had abortions identified as evangelical Christians, while the Guttmacher Institute placed the number at 13%. Today, I suspect this percentage would be higher, reflecting greater openness about personal experiences within evangelical communities.

What truly reshaped my thinking was hearing personal stories from pro-life evangelical women who have had abortions. Despite their conservative beliefs and commitment to a biblical pro-life stance, these women often expressed deep sorrow. Many explained they genuinely desired their child but, for compelling reasons — typically medical — they felt morally compelled to terminate their pregnancies. Their heartfelt testimonies convinced me that this profoundly personal decision must remain in the hands of individual women.

Consider the experiences of two devoted Christians, Ann and Beverly, each married with three children and unexpectedly facing pregnancies threatening their lives.

Ann, after prayer, medical advice, conversations with her husband, and guidance from her pastor, chooses to carry her pregnancy to term. Trusting God with her health and future — even at the risk of death — she views her decision as a legacy of sacrificial faithfulness for her children.

Beverly, after equally earnest prayer and consultation, concludes that undergoing a life-saving abortion is the most responsible choice. She believes God calls her to steward the health and well-being of her existing family and honor her commitment to her spouse and children.

Their outcomes differ dramatically, yet each acts from genuine Christian conviction. The critical question isn’t which choice is holier but rather whether Scripture allows faithful believers the moral agency to make profoundly challenging decisions — including terminating a pregnancy. A biblically informed pro-choice stance affirms this agency.

Whether Dobbs is deemed a success largely depends on one’s chosen metrics. From a strictly pro-life perspective, Dobbs undeniably reduces abortions, saving thousands of fetal lives annually. However, it simultaneously contributes to increased maternal and infant mortality rates in states enforcing strict abortion restrictions, documented cases of compromised maternal healthcare, especially in medically complicated pregnancies, and a rise in unintended births.

Ultimately, Dobbs underscores the complexity of balancing reverence for life with compassionate acknowledgment of individual circumstances. True success may lie not merely in legislative victories but in fostering greater understanding, nuanced dialogue, and compassionate policies that support life in all its forms.

For me, improvement lies in respecting women’s autonomy to make pregnancy-related decisions. Lifeway’s research reveals troubling insights about church culture: among evangelical women who have had abortions, over half reported attending church regularly, yet 52% never mentioned their abortion to anyone at church. Only 38% believed it safe to discuss pregnancy options openly at church, and just 30% considered their church a reliable source for accurate advice on pregnancy-related choices.

These attitudes extended to pastoral leadership as well. Only 43% of women surveyed felt it was safe to discuss abortion with their pastor. Nearly half believed their pastors’ teachings on forgiveness didn’t seem to include abortion, and only 39% saw pastors as sensitive to difficulties posed by unplanned pregnancies. Twice as many women anticipated judgment or condemnation rather than caring and compassionate responses from their faith communities.

If women hesitated to discuss abortion openly within churches before Dobbs, they’re likely even more reluctant now, especially if abortion is illegal or severely restricted in their state. In such circumstances, women need their faith community more than ever —whether it’s accompanying them out-of-state for a procedure, helping care for their children during travel, or assisting with travel costs. Moments of profound moral difficulty call for compassionate support from our faith communities, not judgment.

Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations