How should Christians respond to rape and abortion?

Rape is evil, and those who commit it must face justice (Deuteronomy 22:25–27). But abortion does not bring justice. It takes the life of an innocent child.

The child is not guilty of the father’s crime (Ezekiel 18:20). Killing that child only adds one sin to another. Christians must show compassion to women who suffer and defend the life of every child.

For the same reason that a woman feels violated by rape, she should be exhorted not to violate another person (her child). Women tempted to murder a child because they were raped need to be dealt with as sinners who need the forgiveness only Christ can offer, while being treated with the compassion that their hurt truly needs as well.

But we all have been hurt by someone at some point and none of that justifies our sinful behavior. Jesus was treated poorly and yet always responded with righteousness. He is our model and example.

The gospel offers healing and hope. God brings redemption even in tragedy (Romans 8:28). Our response should be mercy, justice, and truth.

Finally, women who have been raped have a real need to be counseled biblically. The idea that "that child will be a constant reminder of the rape" is irrational. No woman forgets she was raped; a child will not change that, nor make it worse for her. Her desire to kill her own child comes from her sinful passions within her (James 1:13-14;James 4:1-4).