Much in the film After Tiller makes life-affirming folks cringe in both horror and anger. But we can also learn from it. The four abortionists followed are human beings as we are. Indeed, the purpose of the film is to humanize them. They have families and homes and hobbies. They care for their clients, hug them, and want to help them. We err if we see them as diabolical, crazed lunatics. We also err, however, if we think the devil does not use their desire to care for women and twist it to his advantage in order to harm women and kill babies. Satan works as an “angel of light” not as the demon of darkness that he is. These abortionists are human beings who deserve our protests but also need our prayers.
These abortionists are dedicated. Phrases like “helping women,” “service to women,” and “carrying on the mission” abound in the film. They see themselves as heroes. Terror tactics and screaming protesters only entrench them further in their dedication. This spiritual battle will not be won with the sword but only with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
The film is not just about abortion but also about the value of human life. They focus on the tough cases of fetal abnormalities. “What kind of life will the baby have?” “It is not just about being alive.” The film captures the emotional turmoil of fathers and mothers in these difficult situations. We, too, need to empathize with them.
The film, however, offers abortion as the only solution. We have a message about the God-given value of life that does not depend upon one’s condition of health. We have a message of a God who works in and through suffering to bring great good. We have true compassion (“suffer with”) that flows from Jesus Christ.
In spite of the concentration on the difficult situations, the case of the sixteen-year-old showed that they would perform late-term abortions for any “compelling reason.” This girl had her parents as well as the parents of the baby’s father ready and willing to help. The abortionist knew this but based the decision to abort a perfectly healthy baby solely on the girl’s wishes. We must guard against the devil’s deception using the “hard case” argument.
“Take a deep breath and hold it. You’ll be fine.” So said the nurse to the crying woman following the abortion. We know better. Segments of the film indicated that they know better too. We need to be ready to reach out to these women, not to condone their decision and help them feel good about it, but to bring them to repentance and the healing message of the Gospel, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
It is appropriate to feel horror and outrage over this film. But let’s also learn from it and become even more committed to keep changing hearts and minds through the power of God’s Word so that the devaluing of God’s gift of life becomes unthinkable.
Word of Hope – 888.217.8679 – For those who have had an abortion, there is a need for a Word of Hope.