Abortion is a deeply controversial and emotional issue, with strong opinions on both sides. For Christians, the question of what the Bible says about abortion is an important one, as it can inform our understanding of the sanctity of life and the moral implications of ending a pregnancy. Here, we will explore what the Bible has to say about abortion and how it can inform our perspectives on this complex issue.
The Bible does not explicitly address the issue of abortion, but there are several passages that speak to the value of human life and the sanctity of the unborn. For example, Psalm 139:13-16 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This passage suggests that God values human life from the very beginning of conception, and that each person has intrinsic worth and value in His eyes.
Similarly, Exodus 20:13 commands us not to kill, which some interpret to include the taking of unborn life. Additionally, Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This passage implies that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life, even before they are born.
However, there are also passages in the Bible that suggest that the taking of human life is justified in certain circumstances. For example, in Exodus 21:22-25, if a pregnant woman is accidentally injured and her unborn child dies as a result, the person responsible must pay a fine to the child's father. This suggests that the child's life is valued and should be compensated for, but that it is not considered equal to the life of a fully-formed human being. Additionally, some argue that the Bible does not make a distinction between the life of a fetus and the life of a newborn or adult, which can make the issue of abortion even more complex.
Ultimately, the question of what the Bible says about abortion is a complex one, and Christians may interpret these passages differently depending on their own beliefs and experiences. However, some key principles can be gleaned from these passages. First, that human life is valuable and should be protected, from the moment of conception to natural death. Second, that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life, even before they are born. And finally, that we should approach this issue with compassion and empathy, seeking to understand the experiences and perspectives of those who have undergone or are considering abortion, while also seeking to uphold the value of human life in all circumstances.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a clear answer to the question of what it says about abortion, it does provide guidance on the value of human life and the sanctity of the unborn. As Christians, we should seek to approach this issue with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to upholding the value of human life in all circumstances.