Is abortion legal in South Africa (SA)?
Since February 1997, it has been legal in SA for any woman of any age to request and have an abortion with no reason required if she is less than 13 weeks pregnant. If she is between 13-20 weeks pregnant, she can get the abortion if her own physical or mental health is at stake, or if the baby will have severe mental or physical abnormalities, or if she is pregnant because of incest or rape, or if she is of the personal opinion that her economic or social situation is sufficient reason for the termination of the pregnancy. If she is more than 20 weeks pregnant, she can get the abortion only if her own life or the foetus’ life is in danger, or if there are likely to be serious birth defects. Pregnant mothers under the age of 18 are not required by law to ask/consult their parents before having an abortion. Pregnant mothers of all ages are also not required by law to ask/consult the biological father of the unborn baby, before proceeding to have an abortion.
A standard abortion in SA starts at R800 depending on the gestation and method used. An estimated 200,000 abortions take place in South Africa every year. This does not include the number of illegal “back-street” abortions. The disturbing fact is that many of these are repeat abortions; not a second, but a third, sometimes even a fourth abortion by the same woman.
All these facts are quite overwhelming. So how and where do we start to pray?
Prayer for those advocating for an end to abortion
Father, we lift up in prayer those who spend their time and effort to advocate against abortion. We pray for their protection, to be safe from life-threats and to gain favour with people of influence in their pursuit. We pray for many considering an abortion, to reconsider their decision due to the work of abortion advocates. Reveal Your righeousness and justice Father. (Psalm 89:14)
Prayer for government/laws
Father of mercy, although abortion has been legalised in SA years ago, we continue to pray for a turnaround of the legalising of abortion in our nation. We pray for Your will and purpose to prevail in the lives of the unborn in our nation. For as long as we stand in the gap before You on this matter o Lord, may Your mercies prevail. Turn the hearts of men to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before You o Lord. (Micah 6:8).
Prayer for forgiveness for those women who have had an abortion
Heavenly Father, we lift up all those women and mothers who freely and willingly chose to abort their babies, based on their own selfishness – thinking that a baby in their life would spoil the plans they had made or inhibit their desired future. We pray for Your mercy and forgiveness over each one and ask that in a very special way You would come alongside each woman who terminated her pregnancy. Meet each one at her very point of need and lead her to repentance. Will you please comfort those who are grieving, support those that are weak and convict those that have rejected the sacredness of a human life. Bring each one to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus, and an assurance of Your gracious forgiveness. This we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen. Lord, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak. (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Prayer for healing if you have had an abortion
Oh Lord, I had an abortion thinking it was for the best, but the grief and guilt I have felt ever since I took that decision has haunted me, and I feel so ashamed of myself and riddled with guilt, by allowing a little life to be taken in this way. I realise more and more that it is against You Lord, that I have sinned and done this great wrong. Lord, I feel broken inside and pray for Your forgiveness, healing and comfort. Thank You that You are a forgiving God, whose mercies are new every morning and that You have promised to carry all our guilt and burdens. I hand this over to You today, and ask for the healing and restoration that only You can give, and the grace to forget what is past and move on with You as my guide. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen. A broken and a contrite heart o Lord, You will never despise. (Psalm 51:17).
Prayer for healing of fathers mourning an abortion
Loving Heavenly Father, we pray for the fathers of aborted babies and the emotional trauma that affect them, knowing that they are often excluded from the decision to terminate a pregnancy. We pray that You would be close to those who have been left emotionally distraught and grieving for the little life that they were denied. We pray Your comfort upon all men who have been affected by abortion in this way as they grieve for the son or daughter that they will never know. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Father, strengthen the hearts of all those who hope in You. (Psalm 31:24)
Prayer for mothers considering an abortion
Heavenly Father, we lift up the many mothers who are today considering an abortion, and pray that in Your grace You would direct them to make a godly and wise decision. Lord, You know their individual circumstances and the many arguments flooding their minds of whether or not to abort the baby in their womb. Send them godly counsellors, wise advisors and caring friends to come alongside them, to offer them guidance, hope and comfort. Reassure them that abortion is not the answer to their problem, and help them to recognise that You are the Author of life and hope. Instil in the heart of each pregnant woman a deep love for the baby she is carrying. We pray that many may be prompted to turn from their planned abortion and look to the Lord Jesus, for the grace to do what is right. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Reveal Yourself to these mothers, o Lord, as their hiding place and shield; let them find hope in Your word. (Psalm 119:114).
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayer-for-Abortion
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayer-for-Abortion
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayer-for-Abortion
Source: https://www.news24.com/parent/fertility/faqs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-safe-abortions-in-south-africa-in-2019-20191210 (Not a Christian website)