Whispers from the Womb: Authors of new book hope to spark compassionate conversations about abortion

Siu Chun could barely breathe.

Her husband, Ah Shing, was battling tuberculosis. They lived in a single room with their four children, sharing one of Hong Kong’s tiny apartments with other relatives. Finances were dwindling.

Then, Siu Chun discovered she was pregnant again. It was all too much.

A friend suggested abortion, a way to make this additional “burden” disappear. Siu Chun turned the suggestion over in her mind. What would she do?

Siu Chun’s story is one of several real-life stories found in Whispers from the Womb, which was launched in Singapore in September.

Written by Dr Lay Ping and Goh Lay Hua, the 77-page book details its authors’ experiences walking with women and families confronted by abortion, alongside thoughtful personal reflections, Scripture and Chinese proverbs.

Launched in September 2025, Whispers from the Womb invites readers into the heart of abortion, hoping to advocate for a culture of treasuring life.

“Whispers from the Womb invites readers to consider not just the physical, but also the psychological, spiritual and emotional dimensions of abortion,” Lay Hua said.

These stories are diverse, detailing the ethical complexities, injustice and practical hardships of life that push many to consider abortion. Some of the topics addressed include unplanned pregnancies, babies with congenital abnormalities, financial constraints and single parenthood.

“Our intention is not to spark yet another debate, but to gently encourage a conviction to protect life in the womb, to see life the way God does and to come alongside those who are struggling,” Dr Lay Ping said.

A much-needed Asian perspective

While neither Dr Lay Ping nor Lay Hua, who are from Hong Kong and Malaysia respectively, have faced abortion themselves, they have walked closely with many who have.

Dr Lay Ping runs Recovery Bible Studies for women, offering guidance and healing for those carrying wounds from past abortion experiences. As a doctor, she has also witnessed the guilt and shame experienced by women who find themselves pregnant out of wedlock, as well as the grief that parents face when they discover congenital malformations in their unborn babies.

In 2009, she completed her Master of Christian Ministry with a thesis on the Church and abortion.

Lay Hua, on the other hand, walks closely with women who choose to continue their pregnancies.

“This includes extending the offer to facilitate adoption for their child if they decide to carry to term. Through this, I was able to support one mother in keeping her baby to full term, and later helped arrange a loving adoption for the child,” said Lay Hua, who has over four decades of experience in writing, editing and translation work.

Lay Hua and Dr Lay Ping (far right) with some of the Singapore book launch attendees.

“Most books on abortion reflect Western frameworks,” Dr Lay Ping said. “But in Asia, decisions are often shaped by shame, family pressure, and silence. Our stories are different – and they deserve to be heard.”

For example, Asian culture tends to be more shame-based, and family members have a louder voice in decision-making.

In the book, Si Xu’s story reveals the physical and emotional pain she goes through after her boyfriend’s family pressured her into having an abortion. When she discovered she was pregnant a second time, she asked her boyfriend to get married, but there was no support.

“She knew, then, she was alone. She chose abortion again, this time without telling anyone. It was supposed to be easier the second time. It wasn’t. When she walked out of the clinic, a dark weight settled over her, one she would carry for years,” the authors penned.

Stories like Si Xu’s reveal not only the pain women endure but also the silence and absence of men in these moments of crisis. The book does not shy away from addressing this difficult reality – that abortion is not solely a woman’s issue, but also a reflection of men’s abdication of their responsibilities.

“It is an issue of lost manhood as well – the men who did not do their godly duty of protecting women, who did not bear any responsibility in caring for the baby,” Dr Lay Ping said.

A Church that speaks up

As believers, the authors hope this book will encourage fellow Christians to speak more openly about the issue and approach it with compassion and understanding.

“The Church, as I always believe, should be a hospital, but most of the time, it becomes a courtroom. Sadly, we are often guilty of being the first to throw a stone,” Dr Lay Ping said.

Lay Hua added that she hopes the book will inspire the Church to be a place of refugee for those who are struggling with unwanted pregnancies. Some practical ways churches can support them include:

• Offering confidential counselling and pastoral care
• Partnering with pregnancy resource centers to provide medical, financial and emotional support
• Providing mentorship programs where older women walk alongside younger mothers; and
• Providing tangible help like housing, childcare, food and community support.

“In my 40 years as a Christian in Malaysia, I have not heard a sermon on the topic of abortion once. I truly hope this book will birth greater advocacy, so that churches can be places of refuge,” said Lay Hua.

The book is already resonating with many. Since its launch, many have come forward to share personal testimonies of how they nearly chose abortion, were almost victims of it, or have wrestled with the pain of seeing Christian friends go through it.

The sanctity of life is rooted in Scripture

In Whispers from the Womb, the authors’ stand is tenderly clear: Life is sacred, and to protect life is to honour God’s masterpiece.

The sanctity of life is rooted in Scripture.

Genesis 1:27 speaks of humans being created in God’s image, giving every life inherent worth and dignity. Psalm 139 also depicts God being intimately involved in the formation of life in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16).

Dr Lay Ping explained that in embryology, it is established that at fertilisation, a new, genetically distinct organism comes into existence.

The zygote contains a complete human genome and begins the process of development. This is why many textbooks in developmental biology describe conception as the starting point of human development.

“We believe science proves life begins at conception, so the baby’s rights must be protected as well,” Dr Lay Ping said.

No half-measures

Asked about unjust situations, the doctor had a gentle, ready answer.

“If a girl is raped and gets pregnant, for example, a grave injustice has occurred. However, two wrongs do not make a right … we would advocate for adoption,” she said.

Here is where the Church must step up, Lay Hua continued, not just to advocate for life but to do what it takes to ensure both mother and child are supported, restored and filled with hope.

“We need to rise up with compassion and conviction, to be prophetic and pastoral truth-tellers who do not shy away from hard conversations. We have to be burden-bearers who extend mercy to the wounded, offering counselling and support networks. No half-measures,” she said.

Turning to Romans 5:5, Dr Lay Ping added: “What distinguishes Christianity from all other faiths is our love, and we can only accomplish anything with the love God pours into our hearts. It all comes back to the Cross, that we are sinners saved by grace who now extend grace to others.”

The authors’ sincere hope is that Whispers from the Womb will stir an urgency in every believer to speak the truth in love and embrace anyone who is struggling, hurting or lost.

“Ultimately, we pray that all of us will choose to build a culture that treasures life, because every human life is made in the image of God,” Dr Lay Ping said.

“From the expectant mother to the unborn child, wanted or unplanned, the onus is on us to celebrate life as precious, sacred and treasured in God’s eyes.”

Whispers from the Womb (S$8) is available for purchase exclusively at GenBrave Singapore (36 Ean Kiam Place, Singapore 42912). For more information, please contact +65 8608 0229.

RELATED STORIES:

Is abortion okay if the child is conceived from rape or so sick he won’t live long?: Salt&Light Family Night

Abortion affects men too

“Do not lay a hand on this child”: God’s instruction stopped her from abortion even as she fought life-threatening cancer

The post Whispers from the Womb: Authors of new book hope to spark compassionate conversations about abortion appeared first on Salt&Light.