N.T. Wright Endorses Abortion in Cases of Rape, Incest and Fetal Deformity
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.
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Maybe this man could ask someone who was conceived after their mother was raped if they think they should have been murdered?
“but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
If this is what comes from being a respected author and scholar then I’d rather be an ignorant fool than this man. I pray he repents of his murderous thoughts and Jesus cleanses him of all unrighteousness.
I don’t believe your reasoning is sound, is it ?
OH I am shocked to read this article. ALL medical people know a human being becomes that at the moment of conception. We have the most wonderful pianist in our church whose parents were told by the doctor to abort him because he had a very bad deformity. They did not abort him and oh we as a church are delighted. He is a wonderful christian man and loved by all who know him and is a radiant witness for Christ – he does have a severe deformity.
How disappointing and dangerous is this pronouncement by an Evangelical theologian: • a wrong diagnoses still occur. • even a baby with life threatening abnormalities deserves to be held & nurtured until their natural death in their mother’s arms. • a woman who has been raped should be shown great care and compassion not subjected to further trauma. • a new human life with full genetic endowment is created at the moment of cònception.
NT Wright, has held some questionable views for years particularly around penal substitutionary atonement.
Sad, also I would just let people know the interviewer is Michael Bird, who has some orthodox but also some concerning views and is deeply involved in Ridley College in Melbourne, so just be cautious. Not calling him a heretic but definitely do some looking into if you think of going there.