Well, we actually do have the technology to make abortion unnecessary, it's just a matter of whether people choose to use it or not. There are many forms of birth control, and while none are 100% effective, if such methods were faithfully used, then practically all abortions could be eliminated. So it's just a matter of making birth control available and affordable or free. So to be more humane, yes, the pro-life people could focus more energy on making people's lives better (in all places on earth, including third world countries) by helping people get access to family planning. Unfortunately, many people who are against abortions are also against birth control. Maybe someday they will wake up and realize that choosing to bring a child into this world who will face nothing but hardship and poverty and misery is far more immoral than choosing to not create that child in the first place. Also, if their answer is "well then they should just stop having sex" then they need to get a dose of reality. Humans are humans, flesh and blood, and we have the desire to touch and be touched, period. People are not going to stop having sex.
Yes, religion has a lot of influence on how life and death are handled in this world. However, people have the right to choose what to believe so there will probably always be differences in what people believe about birth control and abortion. We should at least be thankful that we (in "free" countries) are able to believe whatever we choose to believe without fearing terrible consequences. I personally believe very much in God and spirituality, but not in most organized religion. Therefore, I choose to believe that life and humanity will advance on this planet, and it comforts me to think that all these differences in our beliefs will not matter eventually. I think human consciousness is going to evolve and petty differences and ideological conflicts will disappear.
Sorry I went on and on, but I hope I answered your question at least a little.