Pop star John Legend has recently debated abortion with popular Christian YouTuber Ruslan, opening up about how his views on the issue have evolved since his church-going youth when he was "supposed to be pro-life".

In an October interview with former NFL player Shannon Sharpe, Legend recounted his wife Chrissy Teigen’s experience with a life-saving abortion. He expressed his belief that such decisions are “intensely personal" and believe Americans don't need "the government telling us what to do with our bodies".

Ruslan responded in a YouTube video, stating that pro-lifers support medically necessary procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) for complications after miscarriages.

He clarified that the pro-life stance does not oppose medical interventions but elective abortions, suggesting that advocates for abortion often conflate terms for political arguments.

When Legend saw Ruslan’s video on Instagram, he engaged directly, defending his stance that government involvement in such decisions infringes on individual freedom.

Legend argued that enforcing abortion laws could mean women in life-threatening situations may face delays in receiving necessary treatment.

Ruslan countered, explaining that pro-life advocates see legal restrictions on elective abortions as akin to other laws designed to protect lives, such as those against drunk driving.

He asked Legend if they could agree on condemning abortion as a form of birth control.

In their exchange, Legend and Ruslan remained firmly divided, each standing by his belief on the rights of unborn children versus a woman’s autonomy.

Legend concluded the debate by reiterating his view that the government should not impose the belief in fetal rights onto society, while Ruslan upheld his faith-based conviction that life begins at conception, citing Psalm 139.