In Suva, Fiji, the Apologia Reformed Baptist Church has taken a pronounced stand against abortion, marked by a recent demonstration led by Pastor Wayne Areki. As part of their campaign, the church is vocal about considering abortion a sin and seeks its prohibition based on Christian teachings on the sanctity of life.
During the event, demonstrators distributed informational pamphlets and engaged with the public to share their perspective that terminating a pregnancy is tantamount to murder, a violation of divine laws as they interpret them. Pastor Areki emphasized that this belief does not exclude those who have had abortions from seeking forgiveness through faith in Christ. He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to supporting pregnant women by offering alternatives to abortion.
To carry out this commitment, the church is working with partner organizations to provide practical support for single mothers and widows. This includes financial assistance, emotional support, and counseling services. Areki noted, “We believe the church should be at the forefront of caring for the vulnerable and less fortunate,” highlighting their mission to support those in need.
However, the church’s viewpoint has not been widely accepted. An anonymous citizen, identified only as Seini, argued against allowing religious opinions to dominate the abortion debate, advocating instead for personal choice. Similarly, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is pushing for the decriminalization of abortion to ensure safer procedures and greater autonomy for women.
Under current Fijian law, abortions are legal under specific circumstances, including when the mother’s life or health is at risk, and in cases of rape, incest, or sexual abuse. While Pastor Areki acknowledges the gravity of these situations, he maintains that they do not justify abortion. The church plans to continue its advocacy with another demonstration set for later this month.
This ongoing debate highlights significant societal and cultural divides regarding abortion in Fiji, mirroring a broader global discussion about reproductive rights. As both sides continue their advocacy, the issue remains a complex interplay of faith, ethics, legal concerns, and personal freedom.