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N.T. Wright, a respected evangelical author and scholar, has challenged long-held Christian beliefs by arguing for early abortion in certain exceptional cases.

Renowned theologian and New Testament scholar N.T. Wright has sparked controversy by stating that abortion may be the “best thing to do” in cases of rape, incest, and serious fetal deformity.

“In cases of rape or in cases of incest, there may be a very, very strong argument for saying this ought never to have happened,” Wright said during a recent episode of the Premier Unbelievable? podcast. “We do not want to do this in principle, but with sorrow and a bit of shame, the best thing to do is as soon as possible to terminate this pregnancy.”

Known for his influential work on Pauline theology and Christian ethics, Wright clarified that he finds late-term abortion “repulsive”. When arguing for early abortion in exceptional cases, he said such decisions should be made “as soon as possible” before the unborn child reaches a stage he described as a “viable human being that should then be cherished”.

However, Wright did not define when viability begins, admitting, “I am not medically qualified to say at what point I would draw a line.” This moral ambiguity — combined with his endorsement of early-term abortion in certain cases — has raised alarm among pro-life Christians.

A Theologian at Odds with the Christian Tradition

N.T. Wright’s recent comments have sparked strong criticism from Christian leaders. Denny Burk, Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, called Wright’s argument “incoherent,” pointing out the moral confusion in advocating abortion “as soon as possible” while admitting he doesn’t know when viability occurs. Burk warned this uncertainty undermines the pro-life ethic.

Wyatt Graham, Executive Director of The Gospel Coalition Canada, sympathised with the suffering Wright referenced but rejected his conclusion. Graham wrote, “If I do not know when a human being is viable, then I am guessing. If I am wrong, then I am terminating a viable human being.” He called this “an impossible moral situation” rooted in an incomplete understanding of human life.

Christian commentator Sano Thomas went further, calling Wright’s stance “material heresy,” insisting, “There is never a reason, under God’s heaven, that justifies the deliberate killing of an innocent human life in the womb. Never.”

Critics also objected to Wright’s language, noting that phrases like “terminate a pregnancy” are clinical and clearly influenced by secular bioethics.

While Wright emphasised his pastoral intent and acknowledged the suffering of women in difficult situations, his argument runs counter to the historic Christian position that all unborn life is sacred, regardless of the circumstances of conception.

From the Didache, one of the earliest Christian texts, to the modern pro-life movement, Christians have held that abortion is a violation of the biblical commandment, “You shall not murder.” Wright’s suggestion that some unborn children may not yet be “viable human beings” worthy of protection appears to negate the biblical affirmation that God knits every person together in the womb (Psalm 139:13).

Abortion Harms Women Too

In attempting to offer pastoral sympathy, Wright also failed to address the growing body of data showing that abortion harms women emotionally, psychologically and physically.

According to a 2023 peer-reviewed analysis by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, women who have an abortion during their first pregnancy are 3.4 times more likely to experience an increase in outpatient mental health visits, and 5.7 times more likely to require inpatient mental health care, compared to women who give birth.

Other studies show that abortion increases the risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. These outcomes are exacerbated in cases where women are pressured into abortion due to social stigma or fear — often the very scenarios Wright seemed to reference.

N.T. Wright also came under fire last year for suggesting that opposition to abortion is partly rooted in a patriarchal effort to control women by “people who were nervous about sex”.

His lastest Premier Unbelievable? interview can be viewed here.

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Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.