You can read the rest of the series here: Part one. Part two. Part three.
Before answering the questions related above, though, let's summarize what conclusions can be drawn at this point. Once those conclusions have been drawn, one can then determine what the Christian's proper course of action is in regards to HB1210.
The most important question in all of this discussion has been whether or not abortion is an acceptable practice to be supported by the Christian. While some might say it is a matter of conscience, and at some level it is since one's salvation is not determined by where one stands on this matter, the biblical witness seems to indicate how the Christian should treat an issue like this, even if there aren't specific proof-texts, chapters and verses, to back the position. The overarching ethic, prescribed by Jesus, is that of radical neighbor love. The Christian is called to love her neighbor as herself. Since most would never wish their death at the hands of a doctor during a what is deemed a routine medical procedure, then one should not wish it on another human being, in or out of the womb. In other words, the ethic of love exemplified by Jesus forces the Christian to admit that abortion is another form of hate, similar to rape, incest, name-calling, and revenge killings. Since these are sin, abortion is a sin as well.
In a fallen world, though, people will have abortions, and commit the other atrocities listed above. But that doesn't mean the Christian should sit idly by and just shrug his shoulders and let it happen. While one needs to work at a human level to protect both woman and child, such as through legislation, a believer's primary focus needs to be on seeking changed hearts through the presentation of the Gospel. This is how God's kingdom will be established.
Since abortion is an unacceptable practice for the Christian to support, it is easy to see that an organization that pressures people to have them is an organization that the Christian should not support in any meaningful manner. Planned Parenthood is known for doing just that. Since the citizen has no real say in where their tax dollars go, legislation to protect the consciences of those who are opposed to a group like this needs to be on the books.
That said, allow there to be one thing on the Christian's mind: A piece of legislation will never be perfect, and will undoubtedly represent the world's flawed vision of protection. Even a piece like this one, outlawing late-term abortion, while good in some sense, is not the ideal manner in which the world should run. But the world is fallen and it is the Christian's responsibility to seek its restoration. This comes only through the Gospel.
Should a Christian support a bill like this one? That is a matter of conscience. But the Scripture's metanarrative clearly shows where our moral and financial support should lie. And it is not with abortion and Planned Parenthood. Simultaneously, though, the Christian must also be prepared for any ramifications that will follow the passage of this bill. One must be prepared to counsel, support, and even volunteer and financially support those who are doing the work to save and protect life. And one must be prepared to defend life themselves. The arguments may be strong and proof-texted, but the Christian follows Jesus and must, therefore, do as He would do and not what a string of unrelated verses may seem to indicate.
All life is sacred, born and unborn, and the Christian must defend it.
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