The pro-life movement is built on a foundational conviction: every human being has inherent dignity and worth because they are created in the image of God. This belief shapes not only how we view the unborn but how we approach every issue involving human life — from end-of-life care to poverty, from criminal justice to immigration.
The Foundation: Imago Dei
The concept of imago Dei — the belief that human beings are created in the image of God — is the cornerstone of the pro-life worldview. It means that human value is not based on abilities, achievements, or contributions to society. It is based on the simple, profound fact of being human. This applies equally to the unborn child in the womb and the elderly person in a hospice.
Key Topics
The Family Research Council has compiled a comprehensive collection of resources covering a wide range of life issues:
- Abortion — The science of prenatal development, the legal history of abortion in America, and the case for protecting the unborn
- Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide — The ethical arguments against ending human life and the alternatives for end-of-life care
- Human Cloning and Embryonic Research — The moral implications of manipulating human life at its earliest stages
- Stem Cell Research — Ethical alternatives to embryonic stem cell research and the science behind them
- Adoption and Foster Care — Resources for families considering adoption and support for children in the foster system
- Pregnancy Support — Information about pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and support services for mothers
Why These Resources Matter
In a culture that often measures human worth by utility, productivity, or convenience, the pro-life message is countercultural. It requires us to see every person — regardless of size, level of development, degree of dependency, or circumstance — as a bearer of God's image. These resources equip believers to articulate and defend this conviction with clarity and compassion.
Who Should Use These Resources
- Pastors and ministry leaders — Use these resources to teach your congregation about the biblical foundation for the pro-life position
- Students — Equip yourself with the intellectual tools to defend the pro-life position on campus and in conversation
- Activists — Deepen your understanding of the issues you advocate for
- Anyone who cares about human dignity — These resources are valuable for anyone who wants to understand and defend the value of human life