Executive Summary
Despite the repeal of Roe v. Wade and the implementation of stricter abortion laws in 14 states, abortion rates have increased. The availability of abortion pills and the funding of out-of-state procedures by organizations like Planned Parenthood have helped sustain abortion rates, even in restrictive states. The persistence of abortion rates suggests that legal measures alone are not sufficient to change behavior. The study emphasizes that convincing more women to carry pregnancies to term rather than choose abortion will require a change in hearts as much as laws.
Gen Z women are at a unique stage in life because they are on the cusp of many romantic and relational firsts. Gen Z, like the Millennials who preceded them, are making partner and romantic decisions much later than Baby Boomers and Generation X. Therefore, a study of these young women’s attitudes toward reproduction and relationships are as much about what they anticipate or aspire to, as they are reality. It is a window into their current state of mind, but also what they anticipate about their own future.
This is important because when a pregnancy is unexpected or unplanned, these attitudes will almost certainly be the driving force behind the actions that happen quickly.
Given that most abortions happen within six weeks of conception, primarily using chemical abortifacients (mifepristone and misoprostol) to end pregnancy, the views of these women before and at the time they discover they are pregnant are especially important as they make their decisions.
Research overview
4,000 Gen Z women (ages 13–26) surveyed nationwide.
500 in-depth interviews conducted for deeper insights.
Diverse sample: race, income, religious background, geography.
Timeline: February 21 – March 1, 2024.
Key Findings
Faith Perspective
Church attendance falls from 38% (teens) to 24% (ages 22-26).
One in three Gen Z women feel “let down” by the church
Belief in the Image of God remains strong and connects deeply to pro-life values
Life Framework
Top Concerns: Financial security, career goals, mental health
30% identify as LGBTQ+, correlating with higher pro-choice views
Gen Z prioritizes self-care and mental health over faith development
Building Relationships
Only 20% would confide in someone if pregnant — fear of judgement and distrust are key barriers
Dating ideals remain traditional: over 70% prefer exclusive dating
Screens are tools for building trust but also deepen social anxiety
Pregnancy Attitudes
60% associate unplanned pregnancy with fear.
51% see pregnancy as a possible source of purpose and empowerment
Birth control is seen mainly as a health tool, which should be freely available to all with little (if any) restrictions
Sexual education experiences are fragmented, with few receiving faith-based guidance
Choosing Life
80% say they would prefer carrying a pregnancy to term personally
Major barriers: Financial insecurity, career pressure, lack of support
Gen Z teens show more hopeful, optimistic views about motherhood compared to college-age peers
Strategic Recommendations for the Church
1
Focus on pre-college discipleship and formation
Because of the sharp drop-off in church attendance post-teen years, churches must prioritize faith formation while Gen Z women are still in youth group. This includes clear, compassionate teaching on sexuality, identity, and the value of life.
2
Frame Life as Empowerment Rooted in God’s Design
Frame pro-life messaging not just in moral terms but as empowering. Emphasize strength, dignity, and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in motherhood, especially when the world says success requires avoiding parenthood.
3
Provide Practical Support
Offer material, emotional, and spiritual support: baby supplies, daycare help, housing, career coaching, and access to trusted professionals. Pastors can also equip their churches to partner with community services and pregnancy resource centers.
4
Rebuild Trust Through Authentic Ministry
Given that many Gen Z women distrust institutions, pastors must model integrity, empathy, and humility. Offer space for open conversations without shame, train lay mentors, and publicly affirm a woman’s value regardless of her past or decisions.
Conclusion
Gen Z is not abandoning spirituality — they are redefining it. To encourage life-affirming choices, we must meet their emotional, financial, and relational needs, speak to their dreams for self-empowerment, and rebuild trust with compassion and authenticity.