“Pro-life” may seem an over-simplified term because it’s usually equated with being opposed to abortion (or labeled “anti-“choice”). To be truly “life-affirming” is more complex than simply being anti-abortion. It takes responsibility to promote and protect the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death.

If we want to be life-affirming, we will recognize the personal dignity of each human being regardless of age, gender, race, intelligence, or productivity. We honor each person’s unique individuality, both personality and body-type (including our own). We want to help human beings flourish in community.

“Life-affirming” respects God’s created design for male and female, together made in His image. It honors the unique complementary nature of both sexes. It respects His design for sexual expression within marriage and abstinence outside of that covenant. It encourages and educates people to consider their choices before conception is achieved. This is wisdom’s life- affirming way which leads to health and wholeness physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Medical care by definition must be life-affirming. We expect that medical professionals “do no harm” but instead protect human life from “womb to tomb”. They should treat their patients in healing or palliative ways to negate the tragic choices of abortion, suicide, or euthanasia. Life- affirming healthcare is wholistic; it considers the whole person for their whole life.

Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Let’s live with integrity beyond the pro-life label into a broader life-affirming vision that seeks the well-being of every human life. Let’s passionately and compassionately build an ever-expanding culture of life!