Recently we received a question from one of our Sidewalk outreach team members. She ministers at a facility that provides birth control and other services besides abortion. Her question is a good thing to consider, since we have very limited time to speak to the women streaming into the abortion centers. We need to be very purposeful and strategic in what we call out in order to do the most good in the amount of time that we have. The question is below.
The Question
“How do we address birth control on the sidewalk? If someone says they’re ‘just here for birth control,’ do we go in-depth about the risks and possibility of certain birth controls being abortifacients? What would you say if you only had a few seconds with someone who said this?
The Short Answer
The short answer for me is based on knowing I likely only have a few seconds. I am not going to probably get into the issue of birth control. I say something along the lines of the following: “Did you know that they kill babies here? Do you really feel God would have you give your money to a place where innocent human beings made in the image of God are killed in defiance of his clear commandment, thou shall not kill?”
If they pause long enough, I will ask them: “Do you know God?”
If they say yes, I’ll say: “Are you married?”
If they say no, I’ll say: “What do you think God would have you do in terms of sexual activity outside of marriage?”
When to Bring in Birth Control Discussion
If they actually stop to talk with me and seem like they’re considering my words, I would possibly talk about the abortifacient aspect of birth control. Usually, that would only come into discussion if I’ve established a level of trust and some sort of relationship, where we are engaging for more than a few seconds.
Where to Focus Instead
Because it is possible that they are not telling the truth, and they are there for an abortion, I would want to focus on the humanity of the baby instead and be able to get in a few words that may deter them from an abortion, if, indeed, that is what they are there for.
All that considered, if there is a tactful way to introduce the idea that birth control can be abortifacient in just a few seconds, I am not opposed to that. However, remember that our time is probably better spent getting at the root issue of abortion and the value of that little unborn human being.
Principles Involved
- You likely only have a very short time.
- You need to use that time to full advantage
- The most important concepts to voice are the three vital talking points
- They might be lying and too ashamed to admit they are there for an abortion.
- Always speak first to the value of the child and why abortion is wrong.
- Always speak to the fact that no one should contribute in any way, money, or anything towards a facility that murders unborn children.
- If possible, address the issue of sexual immorality. Asking questions is a good way to get to this.
- There is nothing wrong with addressing the issue of abortifacient birth control if you have time and the other key, vital talking points have been addressed. It is probably wise to save the birth control discussion for later in your conversation if given the opportunity.
- In your questions, be sure to direct them back to God, and what He would have them do. Hopefully, they will generalize not only don’t have an abortion, but also don’t be engaged in sex outside of marriage.
- Always keep in mind the immediate main focus and goals. Save babies, get them to transfer trust from the abortion center to you and, ultimately, to God. Develop enough rapport for an ongoing discussion. Get them literature. Get them to leave. Clarify what is happening at that place.
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).”
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