In February, The Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) Canada conducted a survey asking about abortion perspectives and experiences in the Reformed Christian community. This survey was open to individuals 16 years of age and older. A total of 853 Reformed Christians responded!
We are encouraged that the survey findings indicate a much lower abortion rate than in this Christian community that in the broader Canadian public. The survey respondents also showed a high level of support for the mission of the We Need a Law campaign with its goal to “mobilize Canadians and persuade our political leaders to pass laws that protect children before birth.”
Here are more of the results:
- 19% of respondents had experienced an unexpected pregnancy.
- Fewer than 1% of respondents (or their partner) had ever had an abortion.
- Of the few respondents who had an abortion, all of them did so before the age of 25.
- 63% of the respondents indicated that their pastor has preached on abortion on more than one occasion and nearly 90% said their pastor prays regularly about abortion.
- Over 86% said their church prays regularly for cultural issues, for politicians, and for pro-life laws to be introduced and passed in Canada.
- 95% would support a law banning third trimester abortions.
- 98% would support a law banning sex-selective abortions.
- About one quarter of respondents know a friend or family member who had an abortion.
- Nearly 60% of the abortions that occurred among friends or family occurred more than 10 years ago.
ARPA Canada acknowledges the limitations of this survey, as participants were self-selected and were generally ARPA supporters, familiar with their mission and goals. As a result, these responses are not generalizable to all Reformed Christians, or all Christians more generally. Still, the results of the survey are encouraging for a number of reasons.
Out of over 800 responses, there were only 7 personal experiences with abortion. That is significantly lower than the approximately 200 we would expect in the broader Canadian context, where approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in abortion. This reflects a high valuing of pre-born life in this Christian community. Knowing that one in four respondents had a friend or acquaintance who had an abortion also informs our educational efforts as an organization, as we can prepare people for difficult conversations that may arise in their personal contexts. There is still much need to change the hearts and minds of our fellow Canadians.
The survey results also affirmed that the incremental approach taken by We Need a Law in advancing pre-born human rights is understood and supported. Survey respondents clearly understood the importance of moving forward one step at a time, supporting legislative changes that will save as many lives as possible. Together we will continue to work in that direction!