What does the Bible say about abortion?
What Does the Bible Say About Abortion? A Biblical Perspective
While the Bible does not explicitly mention the term "abortion," its teachings make God's view on the sanctity of human life abundantly clear. Scripture consistently affirms the value of life, including life in the womb, and provides principles that guide us in understanding this deeply significant issue.
The Sanctity of Life: God’s Creation of Life in the Womb
God’s intimate involvement in the formation of life is vividly described in 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.” This passage reveals that God knows each person before they are even conceived, demonstrating His sovereign purpose for every life.
Psalm 139:13–16 (NKJV) celebrates God’s active role in our creation: “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.” These verses affirm that God is deeply involved in every stage of human life, from conception onward.
Abortion Is the Taking of Innocent Life
The Bible equates the intentional taking of life with murder. In Exodus 21:22–25 (NKJV), we see how seriously God values the life of the unborn: “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This law holds a person accountable for causing harm to a baby in the womb, treating it as a life equal to any other.
From the beginning, humanity has been created in God’s image, making each person inherently valuable. Genesis 1:26–27 (NKJV) declares: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Similarly, Genesis 9:6 (NKJV) warns against taking human life: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”
Abortion, therefore, is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose whether to have a baby—the baby already exists. It is a matter of life or death for a human being made in the image of God.
Addressing Common Arguments for Abortion
1. What About Cases of Rape or Incest?
While situations involving rape or incest are emotionally and morally challenging, the Bible still upholds the value of every human life. A child conceived through such circumstances is no less made in the image of God than any other person. Deuteronomy 24:16 (NKJV) teaches: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” The innocent child should not be punished for the sins of the father.
Women facing such situations need compassionate care and support. Churches and pro-life organizations stand ready to provide assistance, counseling, and resources. Adoption is also a loving alternative, as many families are eager to care for children regardless of their background.
2. What About When the Life of the Mother Is at Risk?
The argument that abortion is necessary to save the mother’s life is often overstated. Many medical professionals affirm that direct abortion is not medically necessary. The Dublin Declaration on Maternal Healthcare states: “As experienced practitioners and researchers in obstetrics and gynecology, we affirm that direct abortion—the purposeful destruction of the unborn child—is not medically necessary to save the life of a woman.”
In extremely rare cases where both lives are at risk, ethical decisions may involve early delivery or other interventions aimed at saving both lives whenever possible. Christians facing such decisions should seek wisdom and strength from God. James 1:5 (NKJV) reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Forgiveness and Healing After Abortion
Abortion, like any other sin, is forgivable through the grace of God. John 3:16 (NKJV) assures us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” For those who have been involved in abortion, whether as mothers, fathers, or medical professionals, God offers complete forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:1 (NKJV) promises: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Through repentance and faith in Christ, anyone can experience God’s forgiveness and healing. Colossians 1:14 (NKJV) declares: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Our Responsibility as Christians
As Christians, we are called to defend the sanctity of life and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Proverbs 31:8–9 (NKJV) says: “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.”
We should also support and care for women facing unplanned pregnancies, providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to choose life. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) exhorts us: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Conclusion
Abortion is a grave sin because it is the intentional ending of a life made in God’s image. However, the gospel offers hope, forgiveness, and restoration to all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith. Christians must stand firm in proclaiming the sanctity of life, supporting those in need, and extending God’s grace to all.
As Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) declares: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Let us honor the Creator by protecting and cherishing the lives He has fearfully and wonderfully made.
