By certifying the expansion of abortion access from 15 weeks to the point of “fetal viability,” Arizona officials have done more than update a policy—they’ve made a bold statement about where society is heading. I find this shift deeply concerning—not just for the unborn but for the moral fabric of our nation.

The Core of the Issue: Life and Viability

Let’s start with that word viability. It’s one of those terms that sounds scientific and precise, but in practice, it’s a moving target. Advances in neonatal care have allowed babies born as early as 22 weeks to survive, and every year, those boundaries inch earlier. The problem with tying the right to life to “viability” is that it makes a baby’s inherent value dependent on technology and timing, not on their intrinsic humanity. The Bible reminds us, “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee” (Jeremiah 1:5). Life, from a Christian perspective, isn’t about convenience or capability—it’s about creation.

By expanding abortion access to the point of viability, Arizona effectively says that the sanctity of life is negotiable. How can we claim to be a society that values human dignity if we allow life to be taken away based on arbitrary legal lines?

A Question of Compassion

Supporters of this measure argue that it’s about compassion—giving women more time to make an “informed choice.” But let’s be honest: true compassion doesn’t look like an abortion clinic’s waiting room. True compassion is offering resources for women in crisis pregnancies, supporting adoption efforts, and ensuring mothers know that they’re not alone.

There’s no denying that unexpected pregnancies can be overwhelming. But in a world where countless families are longing to adopt, the argument that abortion is the only or best option rings hollow. In fact, expanding abortion access sends the chilling message that some lives are worth less than others—an idea that runs directly counter to both Christian teaching and the founding ideals of our country.

What’s Next?

Pro-abortion activists are already signaling their intent to challenge existing restrictions in Arizona, like parental notification laws and bans on taxpayer-funded abortions. If this measure stands unchallenged, we can expect an avalanche of lawsuits aimed at eroding what few protections for the unborn remain in the state.

But this fight isn’t just legal; it’s cultural and spiritual. Christians must rise to the occasion—not with anger, but with a bold and unwavering commitment to truth. We need to continue supporting pregnancy resource centers, speaking out against the dehumanization of the unborn, and praying for the hearts of those who see abortion as a solution.

The Broader Context

This decision in Arizona is part of a troubling national trend where the definition of “rights” becomes so distorted that the right to life itself is pushed aside. Our Declaration of Independence states clearly that life is an unalienable right, “endowed by our Creator.” That doesn’t come with an asterisk or a viability clause.

Unfortunately, both political parties bear some responsibility for this mess. Republicans, while often vocal about pro-life values, have sometimes failed to deliver meaningful protections for the unborn. Democrats, meanwhile, have increasingly aligned themselves with an extreme pro-abortion agenda. Independent, objective thinkers must hold both sides accountable and focus on solutions that align with biblical truth and genuine care for our communities.

A Call to Action

Now, more than ever, Christians in Arizona and across the nation need to step up. This means contacting your elected officials to express your concerns, supporting legislation that defends life, and educating others about the humanity of the unborn. Most importantly, we need to pray—for our leaders, for mothers facing difficult choices, and for the countless lives hanging in the balance.

Arizona’s decision to expand abortion access is a sobering reminder that the battle for life is far from over. But as Christians, we know that we’re not fighting this battle alone. With God’s guidance and grace, we can continue to defend the most vulnerable among us and work toward a culture that truly values life.

To paraphrase Galatians 6:9, let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.