Rape is so horrible that when a pregnancy results, we easily transfer our horror to the wrong object. Yet we must not let the ugliness of rape or incest reflect upon either the innocent woman or the innocent child (who is not a stain to be blotted out or a cancer to be removed, but a living human being). Certainly, we must punish the rapist. But let’s not punish the innocent child in our rage against the perpetrator. (Sadly, 75% of Americans support abortion in cases of rape.)

Rape is never the fault of the child. If you found out today that your biological father had raped your mother, would you feel you no longer had a right to live? Should you go to jail for your father’s crimes? Likewise, why should Person A be killed because Person B raped Person A’s mother?

Check out this powerful reminder from prolife speaker Anne Farrens that you can’t tell someone’s story by looking at them:

Anne shares more about her and her mom’s story in this Instagram reel.

She writes:

Growing up in a society that calls me "a constant reminder", "an exception", and "the product of a crime" was extremely difficult. The shame I felt was isolating and convinced me I was different in the worst possible way—and that my difference made me unworthy.

That shame lost its power when I spoke it out loud. I share my story to challenge our culture of exceptions and to stand for children conceived in violence and their brave mothers.

Anne says, “Abortion doesn't undo the trauma of rape—it brings more sorrow and suffering. Grace can come from brokenness; my life is the ultimate example.”

Anne took part in a Live Action discussion with several other people whose mothers were raped, but chose life despite pain and the pressure to abort:

I encourage you to download (without cost) my short book Pro-Choice or Pro-Life: Examining 15 Pro-Choice Claims—What Do Facts & Common Sense Tell Us?  It will equip you in your conversations and also is a great book to share with those who are pro-choice or are on the fence. The book is also available in print from our ministry for an affordable price.