BibleAsk Team

Is the abortion of a brain dead baby ethical?

Is Abortion for a Brain Dead Baby OK?

There is difference between a naturally occurring miscarriage (ectopic pregnancy) and the purposeful aborting of life. The first is allowing God to be the authority over life and the second is allowing man to have authority over life. Since God is the creator of all life, He alone can take that developing life without being a murderer.

When human beings interrupt God’s work through abortion, they take by force a power that belongs only to the Creator (Psalm 139:13–16). However, when God chooses, through miscarriage, to take a child’s life early, He has the right to do so because it is His work (Ephesians 2:10; Mark 10:14).

In our sinful world, there are many sad things that happen like birth defects, sickness, suffering and death. These are all the consequences of sin and may remain until Jesus comes. But God can bring eternal good from these sad occurrences. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God allows difficult situations in order to bring about a greater good (1 Peter 1:6, 7, Zechariah 13: 9).

Even the troubles and suffering of this life, far from hindering our salvation, may help it forward. Nothing can touch the Christian except by our Lord’s permission (Job 1:12; 2:6). At the end of his life, Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20).

In such situations, the parents of the brain dead or disabled baby can pray and ask for the Lord’s mercy to be upon the unborn child and upon them. They can ask that the Lord will bring relief from pain and suffering or strength to endure. The Lord honors the prayers of His faithful.

There are many examples in the Bible where God promises that He will be with His people, even in the most difficult situations (Psalms 34:18; Psalms 46:1; Matthew 28:20). So, let those that are passing through hardships, trust in the Lord, His guidance, and His deliverance (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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