As American support for abortion continues to broaden, a new study is showing that even amongst Christians, abortion remains surprisingly high. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University released its “Social Issues and Worldview” report and it found some startling claims amongst self-identified Christians. Forty percent of those interviewed stated the Bible states that human life begins at conception, when the female egg is fertilized. Eighty-four percent also agreed that “every human being has undeniable value and dignity.”

The percentage of churchgoers who described themselves as pro-life dropped from 63% in 2023 to 43%. Those who identify as pro-choice jumped from 22% to 35%. Nineteen percent of respondents stated that they had either paid for, encouraged, or had an abortion themselves, up from 13% in 2023. Nearly a quarter (23%) stated their church never preaches on abortion. Twenty-five percent stated they would prefer that their church preach or church on abortion more regularly. Only 41% reported that their church regularly preaches on the issue of abortion. Twenty-six percent agreed with the statement “Abortion is not acceptable under any circumstances” while 25% agreed “Abortion is acceptable only when the life of the mother is endangered.”

The study found that a large percentage (42%) drew their beliefs about abortion from their religious beliefs. Another 34% stated it was based on their own personal feelings. The findings show how Christians are grappling with mixed beliefs about the value of life and what the Bible teaches about abortion. The study also shows the growing need for churches to address the issue to their congregation. David Closson, director of the FRC Center for Biblical Worldview, which partnered with CRC for the study, discussed what is needed to turn the numbers around. “I think it’s important for us, as believers, to realize the issue of abortion and the value of human life is not one that is merely theoretical, but it affects, in a very personal way, almost 20 percent of the people that are in our congregations,” he told The Christian Post. “This issue is one that is personal, and it’s one that, I think, pastors in particular need to be recommitted to applying God’s Word.”