What does the Bible say about abortion?

Abortion is a deeply controversial topic, with various perspectives influencing the debate. Many people turn to religious texts, such as the Bible, for guidance on this issue. This study examines what the Bible says about abortion.

The Sanctity of Life

The Bible emphasizes the sanctity of human life, beginning with the creation narrative in Genesis. The belief that life is sacred and created by God is a fundamental concept that underpins much of the biblical perspective on issues such as abortion.

Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

This verse underscores the divine origin of human life, created in the image of God, which imparts intrinsic value and dignity to every individual. The idea that life is a gift from God forms a foundational argument against abortion in many Christian traditions.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV): “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

Here, the act of God breathing life into man emphasizes the sacredness of life, further supporting the view that human life should be protected from conception onward.

The Unborn in the Bible

Several passages in the Bible refer to the unborn, acknowledging their humanity and value. These scriptures are often cited in discussions about abortion to argue that life begins at conception and that the unborn are worthy of protection.

Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJV): “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

This passage is one of the most frequently referenced texts in discussions about the unborn. It describes God’s intimate involvement in the formation of life within the womb, highlighting the belief that each life is purposefully created and known by God even before birth.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

In this verse, God speaks to Jeremiah, indicating that He had a plan for Jeremiah even before his birth. This pre-birth recognition and sanctification underscore the view that life and purpose begin at conception or even before.

Luke 1:41-44 (NKJV): “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.'”

This account of John the Baptist reacting to the presence of Jesus while both were still in their mothers’ wombs is significant. It portrays the unborn John as a sentient being capable of joy, further emphasizing the humanity and value of the unborn.

Prohibitions Against Murder

The Bible includes clear commandments against taking human life, which many interpret as extending to the unborn. These commandments form a moral foundation against the act of abortion.

Exodus 20:13 (NKJV): “You shall not murder.”

This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments, which are central to biblical moral teaching. The prohibition against murder is seen as a directive to protect innocent life, which many believe includes the unborn.

Proverbs 6:16-17 (NKJV): “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”

The phrase “hands that shed innocent blood” is often interpreted as a condemnation of any form of unjust killing. Since the unborn are considered innocent and defenseless, this verse is used to argue against abortion.

Biblical Examples of the Value of Children

The Bible consistently portrays children as blessings from God, affirming their value and importance in the eyes of God.

Psalm 127:3-5 (NKJV): “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Children are described as a heritage and reward from God, reinforcing their value and the joy they bring to families. This perspective aligns with the view that unborn children, as future members of the family, are to be cherished and protected.

Matthew 18:1-5 (NKJV): “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.'”

Jesus’ teaching about the importance and purity of children highlights their value in the kingdom of heaven. By receiving and valuing children, believers are seen as receiving Christ Himself, which supports the notion of valuing life at all stages.

Compassion and Care for the Vulnerable

The Bible repeatedly calls for compassion and care for the most vulnerable members of society. This call to protect the weak and defenseless is often extended to the unborn.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NKJV): “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”

Advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves is a principle that many apply to the unborn, viewing them as the most voiceless and vulnerable among us.

James 1:27 (NKJV): “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

While this verse specifically mentions orphans and widows, it underscores a broader principle of caring for those in need. This principle is often interpreted to include the unborn, who require protection and advocacy.

Early Christian Writings and the Church Fathers

Early Christian writings and teachings from the Church Fathers also provide insights into how the early church viewed abortion. These historical perspectives often reflect and build upon biblical principles.

The Didache (1st Century AD): “You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born.”

The Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents outside the New Testament, explicitly condemns abortion, indicating that early Christians viewed it as incompatible with their faith.

Tertullian (160-225 AD): “In our case, a murder being once for all forbidden, we may not destroy even the fetus in the womb… To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man-killing; nor does it matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is coming to the birth.”

Tertullian, an early Christian apologist, argued that abortion was equivalent to murder, emphasizing the continuity of human life before and after birth.

Balancing Compassion and Judgment

While the Bible provides strong teachings on the sanctity of life, it also emphasizes compassion and forgiveness.

John 8:3-11 (NKJV): “Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?’ … When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'”

Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery emphasizes mercy, forgiveness and a call to sin no more.

Is Abortion OK for Babies from Rape or Incest?

Although rape and incest are evil acts, the child is innocent and should not be punished for the father’s evil act. If the mother does not want the child, she can give him up for adoption to a Christian family. While only 5% of all abortions may be the reason of rape, incest or “mothers at risk,” the rest of the 95% of abortions are simply due to women that don’t want babies. Abortion to the Christian is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose but it is a matter of life or death of another human being (with a different genetic make up from the mother ) made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).

Is Abortion OK if the Mother’s Life Is at Risk?

Couples that face such an issue should take the matter to the Lord in prayer for wisdom. And the Lord promised in James 1:5, that He will give wisdom to help all those that seek it. But the couple should also have faith that God can save both the mother and the baby from danger.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a framework for understanding the value and sanctity of human life, which many Christians apply to the issue of abortion. Key biblical themes include the sanctity of life, the recognition of the unborn as valuable and known by God, prohibitions against murder, and the call to protect the vulnerable. These principles form a compelling argument for many Christians that abortion is incompatible with biblical teachings. At the same time, the Bible’s emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and care for those in difficult situations.