Baptists have found this topic to be a wedge issue and test of fellowship.  Moderate, or traditional Baptists, had a history of opposing abortion except for cases of rape, incest or to save the life of a mother.  In cases of fetus abnormality, some considered this an option that was morally acceptable.  The dominant strain acceptable among Fundamentalists is no exception in any case. However, there is not a consensus on this.  In Exodus 21;20 the Bible makes a distinction between a human life taken and a fetus destroyed.  This verse is the only direct verse dealing directly  with the topic of abortion in the Bible.  The early church did not support abortion according to some historical accounts.

     In Billy Graham's book APPROACHING HOOFBEATS, Graham says rape and incest cases for abortion must be judged on individual cases.  In William Martin's biography on Graham, Martin wrote that Billy accepted abortion in cases of rape.  In 1991 a survey was ran and the Baptist Standard reported that 80% of Southern Baptists believed in allowing abortion for cases of rape and 76% for incest.  Jerry Falwell has stated similar positions on the subject.  It is widely reported that Pat Robertson thought abortion was just fine in China.

     Religious Right leaders are not on the same page with most of the followers.  However, they are the ones writing the pamphlets and hosting the radio programs.  One author wrote that it was Richard Land, current head of the SBC ethics division, who is more than likely responsible for the rise in abortions in the nation. It was noted that since Land is so "hard nose" on the subject, rejecting any abortion, his positions have allowed no compromise. Thus the open position, even late term position has won the hearts of legislatures because there is no room  for tolerance.

     Every President's wife who occupied the Whitehouse for the last 35 years at least, had one thing in common.  They were all pro-choice.  Yet there is still a wide host of Fundamentalists who hold out hope of overturning Roe vs.Wade. This issue is still the litmus test  for politicians held up by the Religious Right.  A PHD Baptist friend recently told me the issue is moot and there will be no legislative effort nationally to end abortion providing.  Yet, this issue still raises funds, brings out numbers to gatherings and mobilizes moter guides.

     A recent entry into the issue is the full quiver movement. This group advocates women must conceive and deliver as many children as nature allows.  Just about all people who attend a church find this position incredible as well as humorous.  A wise cultural observer once commented about the subject of abortion. He noted this topic,  like many ethical topics of today is; "largely condemned and widely practiced".