Five things the church can do to support mothers in pregnancy crisis

Coming to terms with the pain caused by abortion – or the pressure of an unintended pregnancy – is never easy. But we have a Saviour who lived through this. Jesus was born to a Judean teenager in perhaps the most unexpected pregnancy in history! Mary faced shame, scorn, and accusations of unfaithfulness (Matthew 1:19). Yet God was with her, and He is with mothers and families today in their moments of crisis.

I was recently encouraged by attending the Churches and Pregnancy Crisis Roundtable (CPCR), chaired by Both Lives. It was full of stories about how churches can transform pain, guilt and shame into healing, restoration and hope. Here are five key takeaways:

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At the roundtable, one attendee described a youth group that awkwardly fell silent when abortion was mentioned. The leader quickly said, ​“There’s no need to discuss this – we are all in agreement. Abortion is okay.” It was too uncomfortable to talk about. But when we turn to Scripture, we find that God’s heart breaks for the helpless and voiceless, both the unborn child, and women suffering decades of pain as a result. (Proverbs 31:8). Whether or not we feel comfortable, the Bible calls us to speak up – and reminds us that silence can be a form of complicity (Leviticus 5:1).

Sadly, the church’s voice has often caused harm, marginalising women with judgmental self-righteousness rather than offering compassion. In some places, God’s refuge for those who are broken by decisions they’ve made has been denied. This has led many leaders to avoid the topic altogether.

But the opposite of harshness is not silence – it is speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If we want to reflect Christ, we must speak with both conviction and compassion.

Many women experience long-term emotional effects after abortion, including anxiety, depression, and grief. These feelings are often intensified by secrecy and isolation, as shame prevents many from sharing their experience even with close friends or family.

There is nothing beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness and grace (Romans 5:20). Churches need to speak clearly. His grace is sufficient for all who come to Him.

One of the most practical ways churches can help is by partnering with local pregnancy crisis centres. These centres tackle challenging, emotional issues like the fact that many women who pray for forgiveness still feel unforgiven. Healing often requires confronting hidden grief and guilt. Some feel they don’t even have ​“permission” to grieve because of their role in the decision.

The power, of course, lies in community – being in a safe space with others who understand. In this environment, women can speak openly and walk the path of restoration together. Leaders say the hardest part is often first walking through the door – but that first step leads to freedom. Women come to terms with their loss, their part in the decision, and the power of laying it all at the foot of the cross (Psalm 103:12).

A recurring theme from women who have had abortions is the belief that they had no other choice. While abortion is serious and has painful consequences, women should not be seen as solely responsible.

If we truly want to offer valid life-affirming alternatives, we must hold others accountable – fathers, families, friends, and even the healthcare system. Men often step back by saying, ​“I’ll support whatever you decide.” While well-intended, this hands-off approach leaves women feeling abandoned. Real support means sharing responsibility.

Resources like The Stress Test help spark important conversations. The fact that 45% of pregnancies are unintended shows how important it is to talk about these issues early – with our children and in our churches. Thoughtful and open conversations now can prevent panic-driven decisions later. 

Many Christian organisations are doing vital work to support women in pregnancy crisis and offering support after abortion. One example is the Post Abortion Course. Advocacy groups also bring these voices into public dialogue.

The Evangelical Alliance is actively engaging in the legislative space – opposing abortion buffer zones that would criminalise silent prayer and speaking out against amendments that could decriminalise abortion entirely. Writing to your MP is the best way to get involved, and we’ll continue to provide updates on these issues.

Incredible work is also being done by Both Lives, a pro-both initiative advocating for the dignity of both mother and child. Its founder, Dawn McAvoy, offers a powerful vision of the church’s role: ​“God cares for both lives – every woman and every child, before and after birth. And His heart breaks for the lives that are terminated and harmed by abortion. With the Churches Pregnancy Crises Roundtable, we are helping churches engage with and respond to the issues and the people impacted – supporting a vision of church that offers biblical teaching, pastoral support, and practical care in line with the dignity and sanctity of human life.”

The call is clear: the church must speak with grace and truth, provide support and healing, and advocate for both lives – mother and child. In doing so, we become a place where women in crisis can encounter not judgment, but the redemptive love of Christ.

To find out more about how you can join the next Churches and Pregnancy Crisis Roundtable event, please contact Dawn McAvoy at: d.​mcavoy@​eauk.​org