Seeing as Jesus Sees
A Whole-Life Approach to Human Dignity
What does it really mean to be pro-life? Not just in policy, but in practice. Not just at the start of life, but at every stage of it?
At TGCW24, Women of Welcome’s own Bri Stensrud joined an incredible panel of women for a conversation that was full of grit, grace, and conviction. The panel, “Pro-Life from Womb to Tomb,” challenged us to think beyond party lines or talking points and toward a biblically rooted, holistic approach to human dignity. The panel included Missie Branch, Portia Collins, and Lauren Green McAfee.
“Being pro-life means that it’s a way of looking at people that transcends culture, class, race, age, status, and opinion, knowing that each and every person is made in the image of God.” —Bri Stensrud
A Theological Ethic, Not a Political One
Bri emphasized that our pro-life conviction must not be reduced to a single issue, or a single election cycle.
“We’re not in the pro-life movement because of a dictionary definition... but from a biblical conviction about the dignity and sanctity of every human life. And so that doesn’t stop once the baby is born.”
It’s not theological “scope creep” to care about refugees, women in crisis, or children in foster care. It’s the same ethic, flowing from the same verses, rooted in the same God who breathes worth into every person.
“There is no place in humanity that Jesus would say, ‘That’s off-limits.’”
Advocacy with Flesh On It
Bri doesn’t shy away from naming abortion as a violence, but she insists we pair truth with tangible compassion.
“Being pro-life is a way of seeing people and their long-term needs for flourishing.”
That means caring not just about the decision a woman makes in the clinic parking lot, but the fears that got her there: “How will I pay the bills? Will I lose my job? Will my parents reject me?” Bri urges us to be the ones who say:
“I want to walk with you, not just past this parking lot, but down the street... through those years... because I’m going to take it on myself to help be pro-life for your life.”
Our Words Matter
In a world of all-caps shouting matches, Bri reminds us that language matters, especially when we’re talking to women in crisis.
“You don’t have to compromise truth to be compassionate.”
Calling abortion what it is doesn’t require harsh or dehumanizing language. Bri urges us to speak in a way that invites trust, not shame:
“She already knows. So we have to be careful about how we affirm her dignity and also her fears.”
Take It Home With You
So what now?
Speak up in your church. Be the “squeaky wheel” that advocates for more than words. Push for support systems, not just statements.
Walk with women. Be present for women facing fear, shame, or uncertainty. Not just at the decision point, but in the years to come.
See the image of God. In the unborn, in the refugee and immigrant. In the addict. In the neighbor. No one is beyond the reach of Christ-like welcome.
