How Do We Talk About Abortion?
A Feminist Pastoral Theology
Published on 30. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-0-334-06570-8 (ISBN)
Description
In recent years, the repeal of Roe vs Wade in the United States and a number of high-profile cases in the UK have ignited intense public debates surrounding the sensitive issue of abortion. While the Pro-Life movement, often driven by religious convictions from Roman Catholic and conservative perspectives, has made its stance clear, other Christian arguments in favour of abortion have been notably less pronounced, frequently emphasizing exceptional circumstances.
Emma Percy steps into this important conversation, offering a thought-provoking pastoral theology that takes a deeply empathetic approach to pregnancy and motherhood. In How Do We Talk About Abortion? she delves into the complex motivations behind women's decisions to terminate pregnancies, treating this topic with the gravity it deserves. Percy considers abortion as a pastoral concern, recognizing how abortion decisions are shaped by circumstances and often not discussed, and how inherited Christian attitudes to women, sex and contraception can encourage silencing.
How Do We Talk About Abortion? situates abortion within the wider realities of infertility and reproductive loss, considers the question of prenatal testing in dialogue with disability theology, and explores God's providence in the unfairness of human procreation. The final chapter turns to pastoral practice, the language of sin and the possibility of appropriate rituals.
Carefully navigating the intricate intersection of faith, ethics, and reproductive choice, this new volume invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions and engage in a compassionate dialogue surrounding abortion and pregnancy loss from a Christian perspective that will move the discussion forward.
Emma Percy steps into this important conversation, offering a thought-provoking pastoral theology that takes a deeply empathetic approach to pregnancy and motherhood. In How Do We Talk About Abortion? she delves into the complex motivations behind women's decisions to terminate pregnancies, treating this topic with the gravity it deserves. Percy considers abortion as a pastoral concern, recognizing how abortion decisions are shaped by circumstances and often not discussed, and how inherited Christian attitudes to women, sex and contraception can encourage silencing.
How Do We Talk About Abortion? situates abortion within the wider realities of infertility and reproductive loss, considers the question of prenatal testing in dialogue with disability theology, and explores God's providence in the unfairness of human procreation. The final chapter turns to pastoral practice, the language of sin and the possibility of appropriate rituals.
Carefully navigating the intricate intersection of faith, ethics, and reproductive choice, this new volume invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions and engage in a compassionate dialogue surrounding abortion and pregnancy loss from a Christian perspective that will move the discussion forward.
Reviews / Votes
Emma Percy provides a comprehensive and eminently readable pastoral overview of the challenges and stigmas regarding decision-making about reproductive issues. The book's compassionate, practical, and even-handed tone makes it a perfect choice for people of faith who want to learn how better to talk about abortion. -- Margaret Kamitsuka Emma Percy has written a much-needed and valuable addition to the theological understanding of abortion. This is a book that speaks realistically about the complexities of ending pregnancy and the Christian teaching that has problematised the experience. Written with clarity and candour, as well as a commitment to contextual experience, this book should be essential reading for Christians, clergy, theologians and - perhaps especially - men. -- Revd Dr Chris Swift How should Christians think pastorally about the reality of abortions? Emma Percy's book fills a gap in the literature. She acknowledges that abortions happen. Then, with clarity, sensitivity, and compassion, Percy charts a way forward for better conversations about abortion in Christian communities. With her well-researched overview of the historical, biological, and theological landscape, Percy invites readers to trust that God is with people who navigate all kinds of pregnancy loss. This is an important and timely book. A must read for parish and campus ministers. -- Emily Reimer-Barry How Do We Talk About Abortion? is a refreshing and much needed guide for improving pastoral support through attentive listening and open conversations. In these pages, Emma Percy unmasks assumptions about abortion and gives a comprehensive account of changed social contexts, biblical interpretations, laws and church pronouncements. Percy writes with clarity in an accessible and empathetic style as one who understands the complexities of pregnancy, pregnancy loss, childbirth and post-natal responsibility. Through a feminist and pastoral lens, she explores problematic and sexist language, stigma and taboos associated with sex and abortion. Her nuanced approach offers a convincing theological argument that not all pregnancies are divinely ordained to result in live births. Employing a relational concept of the person, she defines abortion as a maternal decision rather than an irresponsible choice and/or a rejection of motherhood. At its heart, this book advances the conversation around abortion and promotes nonjudgemental pastoral care. How Do We Talk About Abortion? will be a rewarding read and a valuable resource for Christians and church leaders. -- Esther McIntoshMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
252 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-334-06570-8 (9780334065708)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
09/2025
Hymns Ancient & Modern
€30.99
Available for download
Person
Emma Percy was one of the first women ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994. She has worked for many years in Parish Ministry and University Chaplaincy and completed a PhD through Nottingham University in 2013. She has been a campaigner for the full inclusion of women in the church and served two terms as Chair of WATCH. She was appointed Senior Lecturer in Feminist Theology and Ministry Studies at the University of Aberdeen in 2023. She is now a licensed priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church and a member of the SEC Doctrine Committee.