“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

October 20-26, 2025

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Who Really Knows?

by Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske

These statistics are both startling and sad, but they are not just numbers.

A quick online search would tell you that just over one million abortions were performed in the United States last year (2024), and that roughly 63.4 million abortions have occurred in the US since 1973, when abortion became effectively legalized nationwide.

Since the Death With Dignity Act was first passed in 1997, around 4,300 people have died in the US by physician-assisted suicide (PAS). The numbers are far larger in our neighbor to the north. Since 2016, more than 60,000 people have died by physician-assisted suicide in Canada, and, as of 2023, PAS accounts for nearly five percent of all deaths in Canada.

These statistics are both startling and sad. But those are not just numbers. Each one represents a precious human life, wonderfully and fearfully made and redeemed by God, with families who mourn their death. And sadly, the reality is far worse than these numbers reveal.

These numbers may show us how many abortions or deaths by PAS have been legally performed and reported in our country, but it would be impossible to estimate how many lives are actually taken each year.

Most forms of chemical contraception, along with the “morning after pill,” are designed to work in several ways, one of which is preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb, thus destroying the new life that has been created. Only God Himself knows how many times the use of chemical contraception has prevented pregnancy and how many times it has ended a pregnancy. And, as chemical abortion becomes more widely known and available (even through the mail), one is left to wonder how accurate the reporting on its use is.

Much the same could be said about the lives of the sick or aged which are ended prematurely. We may know the numbers for reported instances of physician-assisted suicide. But how many more lives were ended knowingly or unknowingly by lethal doses of pain medications? How many lives were taken in the pursuit of harvesting their organs for donation?

How many lives have been taken?

Only God knows for sure. But, by His grace, He will continue to make us aware of these tragedies and strengthen us to be His Gospel-motivated voices For Life!

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Lutherans For Life Resources

Life Sunday 2026

“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” is Lutherans For Life’s theme for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, which is set for January 18, 2026. Your congregation can observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on that date or at any time during the year.

Our Life Sunday 2026 theme is based on Psalm 139:13-14: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

This Word of God reveals the care and intention that God takes in the creation of each and every human being. It teaches us that from the very first moments of our conception, God’s hands are upon us, carefully and lovingly crafting each one of us through our fathers and mothers. And while each person is created by God with their own unique characteristics and personalities, the care that God takes in creating each person shows us that every person, from the moment of fertilization on, is precious to God regardless of their age, size, condition, or ability.

Use our Life Sunday resources to help unpack this theme and what it means for the For Life movement, both nationally and in your congregation and community. Our prayer is that these materials will provide valuable information and encouragement to you, your community, and the life-affirming work you are engaged in.

Life Quotes and Life Thoughts in the Church Year help your congregation share the For Life message all year long. You can access Life Quotes or Life Thoughts anytime at the links above.

A Life Quote for Sunday, October 26: “We need pro-life laws and alternative-to-abortion options to provide bridges and buy time for us to share the Gospel of salvation in Christ. Yet we cannot settle for a favorable court ruling, a strong piece of legislation, or a life-favoring politician … Ultimately, though, changed hearts provide the alternative of eternal hope when despair and desperation tempt us to do bad things.” Pastor Robert Fleischmann, Christian Life Resources

A Life Thought in the Church Year for October 26 – (Proper 25): Defending the lives that God created, redeemed, and called by the Gospel is a good thing! But we must be careful not to become like the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable, who became so proud of his good works that he mistreated those who didn’t think like him (Luke 18:11-12). Affirming the sanctity of every life also means caring about those who disagree with us, treating them with compassion and sharing the forgiveness of Christ with them, that they, too, might receive the “crown of righteousness” on the Last Day (2 Timothy 4:8).

Issues, Etc. is a ten-hour weekly syndicated radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio. The program features expert guests, expansive topics, while extolling Christ and is hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken. Many life issues are discussed from a confessional Lutheran perspective.

We want to thank our For Life Ministry Collaborators for all their faithful work. Find out more about each of our collaborators at this link.

Lil’ Lutherans 4 Life · Y4Life Jr. · Y4Life · YA For Life

You Can Help Equip Gospel-motivated voices For Life!

We really do need your support! To help equip Gospel-motivated voices For Life right now through a secure online gift click DONATE.

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Lutherans For Life

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Nevada, IA 50201-1816

Lutherans For Life is a 501(c)(3) ministry, and contributions are deductible as a charitable donation.

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You can find out about many ways to give, including Real Estate for Life, at our Donate page.

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).