Have you been deceived?

First, I give credit to unknown publisher on Facebook for this beautiful depiction. 

This is a time of high emotions and hot-button topics. I feel we need to address some major points that will affect every family in some way. This discussion is not just about your freedoms, healthcare, or the identity of the youngest citizens of our country. It is fundamentally about whether you will be well-informed and investigate the truth to the point that you know in your heart why you stand on the box you do. 

I am asking you not to look solely into yourself for direction. I am asking you not to focus on being your best self, following your heart, believing in yourself, or even living your truth. These ideas promote self-talk for living your best authentic life—again, "authentic" finds its root in the Greek word for self, "auto." This same idea can justify any action as acceptable according to "my truth," which can shift based on my current feelings and perceptions. I urge you to consider the facts and reflect on the legacy you will leave in this world. 

Let’s start with the most current argument being presented: Women need abortions to have quality healthcare. We must remember what the term "abortion" truly refers to—it is not about spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, but the intentional and elective termination of an unborn child. 

According to the Ohio Revised Code 2919.15, "Dismemberment abortion" means, with the purpose of causing the death of an unborn child, to dismember a living unborn child and extract it piece by piece from the uterus using clamps, grasping forceps, tongs, scissors, or similar instruments. "Dismemberment abortion" does not include procedures performed after the death of the unborn child to extract any remaining parts. I recognize this language may seem graphic and unpleasant. I have taken extra time writing this article due to the sensitive nature of this topic. We must address it honestly and frankly, calling it what it is. 

We will look at differing abortions and another topic which is not being discussed, the various HCPCS codes which identify medical procedures. These are billing codes which clarify the exact procedure in which it is being performed and being billed for. This will confirm there are differences, and the kinds of abortions performed. Yes, there are late term abortions performed in various states. As you can note, the argument of confusion of coding for a Dilation and Curettage for a medical non pregnant woman is similar to those of a pregnant woman. However, these codes are very different and are discriminated against and billed very differently. Therefore, the argument all abortions need to be legal to allow for the medical care of woman health at risk is misleading. There are detailed and different coding for just about any procedure which may come to play in the true concern for the health of a mother. Anthem Blue Cross even has definitions and coding which will allow for special circumstances. However, when a mother no longer wants a child, and the doctor knows the child is viable is when problems may arise.

We should further clarify our definitions regarding abortion. A miscarriage is a spontaneous ending of pregnancy, a natural occurrence early in gestation. A threatened abortion refers to a situation where there is a risk of miscarriage, often indicated by bleeding. In contrast, elective abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies were not previously classified as abortions until this controversy gained prominence. 

An ectopic pregnancy involves the removal of a child from a fallopian tube to save the mother’s life; it is not an intentional act of killing the child. This distinction is important, as a child in the fallopian tube cannot come to full term. Some argue that when a D&C (dilation and curettage) is performed after a miscarriage, it constitutes an abortion. Historically, this was not the case. A D&C after a miscarriage is not an abortion, as the baby is already deceased, and the procedure merely helps the body expel the pregnancy. 

This confusion has arisen with the renewed push to legalize abortion. The misinformation spread by pro-abortion advocates is frustrating, as many viral stories are twisted, equating the intentional killing of a baby with situations where the baby has already passed away. We can never know all the facts in these situations, but we must critically evaluate what is known. We know some women seek abortions, but fetal testing is not always definitive—it indicates a major possibility of issues rather than certainties. When medically necessary procedures arise, maternal-fetal medicine specialists or perinatologists work alongside OB/GYNs to monitor high-risk pregnancies, providing guidance and ultrasounds to extend the pregnancy as far as possible before delivery.

I ask you to consider which scenario has far greater consequences: delivering a baby early when the mother’s life is truly at risk, or injecting medication to slow the baby's heart rate until it stops, followed by inducing labor for a deceased child, or dismembering the baby inside the mother. Both procedures cause trauma to the mother’s body yet delivering a baby who cannot survive allows the family to grieve and memorialize their loss, rather than discarding the baby as medical waste. 

We should also discuss the various HCPCS codes identifying medical procedures. These billing codes clarify the exact procedures performed and reveal the distinctions between different types of abortions. Yes, late-term abortions occur in various states. However, the confusion over coding for D&C procedures among non-pregnant women is misleading. Detailed coding exists for any medical concern related to a mother’s health. Insurance providers like Anthem Blue Cross offer definitions and coding for special circumstances. 

The real issue arises when a mother no longer wants a child, yet the child is viable. At this point, we face a decision: Should we allow a mother to terminate her child’s life simply because she no longer wants it? Would we allow a mother to kill a 2-year-old child? What is the difference? 

We must not overlook the new procedure of medication abortions, which use two pills: mifepristone, taken first to block hormones supporting the pregnancy, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to empty. According to the FDA, this method is considered safe up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, although extreme bleeding is a growing concern. 

My point is that I had not fully considered the number of abortions performed this way. Currently, around 93% of all abortions occur during the first trimester, and medication abortions now outnumber surgical abortions, accounting for as much as 56%.

Next, let’s consider the argument that a fetus is not a human and thus does not possess the rights of life, which supposedly grants the mother the full right to end the life of the unborn child. I refer again to the Ohio and national revised codes of law. Consider a scenario in which a mother is in a car accident and loses her unborn child. If both mother and child die, the surviving family members may seek justice for the loss in a trial for vehicular manslaughter. But if the mother did not want the child, she could terminate the pregnancy without consequences. We cannot have it both ways: Either the mother and the driver committed murder, or neither did. 

Do citizens have the right to terminate the lives of post-natal humans who may be unconscious, immobile, dependent on medical care, or unviable outside of hospital care? 

Another example, if a mother has been raped and is traumatized, should we ethically terminate her other children because they remind her of the abusive father? Shouldn’t we support the mother in healing instead? Children can bring joy and blessings to a family, often aiding in healing. Additionally, if a woman feels overwhelmed by the burden of caring for an ailing parent, does she have the right to seek help to end her mother’s life? This raises ethical questions worth contemplating. 

Now, consider the argument regarding the right to control one’s own body. Morality is subjective, and individuals can define “right” and “wrong” for themselves. This is why laws are essential; they provide standards for what is right and wrong. Without them, we face chaos, where everyone acts according to their own interpretation of morality. We see this vividly in the commercials for Haiti and other developing countries. 

The scientific reality is that a fertilized egg, resulting from the union of sperm and egg, is a unique combination of DNA, signifying the creation of a new human being. No new information is needed after this union; the repeated division of cells builds a separate body. Even though this is a body within a body, the growing child is distinct, possessing DNA from both the father and mother. The child is never identical to the mother’s DNA, as evidenced by differences like XY versus XX. While the child relies on the mother for nutrition, this dependency continues even after birth. Thus, we must ask ourselves: Does the mother have the right to destroy a body within her own body? Does she have the right to kill herself? Is suicide legal or acceptable? What is the difference, other than location? 

I have presented all the facts. I hope you are critically contemplating what is truly at stake regarding the future of our country and its youngest citizens. 

My thoughts remain rooted in the value of human life. I respect, value, and honor all human life because I understand our origins. Our world was created for the entirety of human existence. We were made in the image of a Creator who has chosen to love us despite our flaws, mistakes, and even the acts of violence committed in the name of selfish desires.

This is a non-exhaustive list of resources I have used for this article:

Section 2919.15 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

Section 2919.16 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

Section 2919.19 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

Here'sthe Secret to Coding Abortions: Determining the Type : Obstetrics (aapc.com)

Whatthe data says about abortion in the U.S. | Pew Research Center

7persistent claims about abortion, fact-checked : NPR

Abortions(abort) (ca.gov)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFcTAgDuge4 --  Vice President Harris involvement

The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities - PMC (nih.gov)

AbortionIs NEVER Medically Necessary | Exclusive Interview with Dr. Monique Ruberu(youtube.com)

Making America Pro-Life & Pro-Family with Dr. Ben Carson (youtube.com)

(9) 2nd Trimester Surgical Abortion: Dilation and Evacuation (D & E) - YouTube

https://www.ansirh.org/sites/default/files/publications/files/the_harms_of_denying_a_woman_a_wanted_abortion_4-16-2020.pdf

Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2592320#google_vignette

AbortionSurveillance Findings and Reports | Reproductive Health | CDC

Why Were These Studies on Abortion Pills Retracted? | Answers in Genesis

AbortionDiscriminates Against the Disabled | Answers in Genesis

It’s MyBody! | Answers in Genesis

National Right to Life –Protecting Life in America Since 1968. (nrlc.org)

Living Fearless in the Training Grounds of Wisdom

We are going to look in chapter 25 of 1 Samual which is the story of Abigial, Nabal and David. First, I want to establish the main characters and the context this story opens up to. In the first verse we read David is grieving over the death of Samuel. In fact, the whole nation is grieving and has paid homage to the burial in Ramah just north of Jerusalem. In addition, David is fleeing from King Saul as Saul is attempting to kill David. All the while knowing of a promise of becoming king of Israel in the future. Another note, David is from the tribe of Judah and the same lineage of Jesus. In contrast in verse 3, Nabal is described as a cruel, evil, foolish (his name evens means fool), worthless man, can’t be reasoned with, extremely wealthy, and a Calebite. Just as in the Biblical times, names are reflective of a person’s image, nature or character. The term Calebite refers to coming from the tribe of Judah and a descendent of Caleb who was one of the spies who attested the Jews could take the promise land before their 40 years in the wilderness. Finally, we have the heroin of the story also in verse 3, Abigail. She is the only woman in the Bible who is described as both beautiful and discerning. She is wise and humble in her dealings. Being the wife of Nabal, she also is wealthy and has much responsibility for running her household. So, let’s read this chapter together. Up until this time David has shown great restraint in dealing with Saul in running away from the God’s appointed King rather than taking vengeance at Saul’s repeated attempts in killing David. Ironically, Nabal lives near the very town Saul has erected a monument in his own honor. This has led to the rejection of Saul by God in 1 Samuel 15. (Note in 1 Samuel 14:52 Saul was at war with the Philistines his whole reign as king sounds like today’s war, doesn’t it?) In verse 7, we see David is only asking for customary payment for compensation for keeping the flocks and shepherds safe while in his protection. It also has to be remembered; both of these men are of the same tribe of Israel which also comes along with the same customs of hospitality and care. However, we see Nabal’s behavior is much like Saul’s behavior with David. In verse 10, Nabal rejects any customary hospitality and even calls David riffraff of the troublemaker types. Out of fear, men of the household are not willing to leave their lives in Nabal’s hands. Rather, they go directly to his wife as stated in verse 14. Abigail is familiar with the knowledge of David’s future kingship; his victories in fighting the Philistines; and his reputation of giving glory to the Lord rather than himself. In verse 18, Abigail does not hesitate to act and is sure to seek the help of the household servants. Just as her husband is enjoying a time of feasting and drunkenness, Abigail prepares a feast for the men of David. Abigail does not tell her husband presumably because he would have prevented her from going. Also, as noted in her return, he is drunk and unreasonable. Abigail waits for a more opportune time to tell Nabal about her saving the household after sobering up. Even though Abigail is wealthy she doesn’t put her trust in her wealth or in the comforts of life. She stays vigilant in learning and developing skills of discernment while running her household. She wasn’t caught off guard when her household was threatened. Instead, she is humble and takes leadership responsibility when it is deemed necessary. We can see God was building character within Abigail’s heart as she lived in the household of Nabal. This provided her the practice and a reputation of respect and provided her with the power to respond to adversity. Even though Abigail appears to have the reason to nag Nabal with his dealings with David. Abigail’s attitude of humility and honor afforded her the boldness to face David to save her household and David’s integrity and legacy. Abigail identifies herself as a maid servant in verse 24 as she gives a wonderfully articulated plea acknowledging David as Lord. Abigail has developed discernment by practicing her living with a difficult man. She is quick to listen not to respond. She is quick to listen and to respond with careful evaluation to a situation. She is able to evaluate how the current situation needs to be addressed and how to use her resources wisely (just look at the amount of food she was able to pull together in such a short time). She is willing to bow in prostrating position to call out who God is. She is willing to remind David, a man of power and of God, who He is and what he is destined to become. She is willing to risk her life to take responsibility where she did nothing wrong and to be careful not to pick sides in this conflict. Genesis 50:20 articulating forgiveness surpasses personal grievances. Abigail is also strong enough to remove herself from the revenge business. She trusts God to judge righteously and justly. She is willing to approach the situation as a peace maker and points out the Lord is trustworthy enough to deal with Nabal. Deuteronomy 32:35 Further, Abigail’s faith in God allowed her to focus in on the needs of David and his men of physical needs instead of fear. Her examples of bitterness and unforgiveness don’t mix with humility, honor, respect and wisdom. As we see, which is written in Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 29:8. Abigail identifies herself as a maidservant and David as Lord. David accepts her pleading countering her good sense and wisdom and his own oath of bloodshed with a new oath of restraint of shedding blood of the household of Nabal. As a result, God is left to avenge this whole situation. God shows the consequences of a man with an evil heart becoming like stone. Nabal meets his fate measure for measure in the petrification of his hard heart turning to stone. In today’s culture we are encouraged not to put up with disrespect. We are told we don’t deserve to be put down or placed below men. We need to give “them” a piece of our mind and take our control back. But we see through Abigail’s example even while living under a cruel husband, God was building attributes of a future queen. We may be tempted to think Abigail rides off into the sunset with David as he returns to make her his wife at the end of the chapter in verse 39. However, let’s not forget what is just around the corner. She is now going to be living in the wilderness with 600 soldiers. When she does arrive at the palace, she will not be the only wife. She will be sharing her husband with 5 other wives. David will be having an affair with Bathsheba and a child will be born to take the throne. Abigail’s own child will never be considered for the throne. We never hear anything more regarding her life. In many ways this may be because she, in her wisdom, knows how to stay away from trouble and sin. However, we are given a clear insight into the power of honor, humility and respect that can defeat our enemies and even turn others to repentance. When we experience rejection and mistreatment, we can also uncover the power of humility, respect and honor while living in the challenging times we face today. Finally, how we deal with a difficult people in our lives can influence how they see God. We have to realize we can’t change people; only God can. God can change people’s hearts if we relinquish our self-righteous trying to change them. Once we do so, we are free of the frustration of trying and failing when people in our lives don’t change. Whether a husband, family member, neighbor or co-worker, we can’t carry the burden of changing their hearts. When we step back and let God work on the heart issues of other people, we allow God the room to deal with their restoration and salvation. While the times appear to be dark and we don’t know how God is going to work out the difficult situations in our lives, we don’t have to be paralyzed by fear and know there is nothing God doesn’t see. We can be assured God is going to be our avenger, defender, refuge, and comforter. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4