Today’s question is, “What does the Bible say about abortion?”. In this video I’ll
answer that question from a biblical perspective. Then afterwards, as always, I’ll share some
helpful resources, so stick around until the end.
The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous
teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is.
Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Psalm 139:13–16
speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22–25
prescribes the same penalty—death—for someone who causes the death of a baby in
the womb as for someone who commits murder. This law and its punishment clearly indicate
that God considers a baby in the womb to be just as much a human being as a full-grown
adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose to
have a baby. The baby is already present and living. Abortion is a matter of the life or
death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27; and 9:6).
What does the Bible say about abortion? Simply put, abortion is murder. It is the killing
of a human being created in the image of God.
A common argument against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about cases of rape
and/or incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape
or incest, is the murder of a baby the solution? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child
who is a result of rape or incest could be given in adoption to a loving family. There
are many families, some unable to have children on their own, who stand ready to receive and
love a child from any background. The baby in this situation is completely innocent and
should not be punished for the evil act of his or her father.
It’s also important to keep in mind that abortions due to rape or incest account for
a very small percentage of total abortions: only 1 percent of abortions can be traced
to cases of rape or incest.
Another argument often used against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about when the
life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer
on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that such a situation is exceedingly rare.
Dr. Landrum Shettles, a pioneer in the field of in vitro fertilization, wrote, “Less
than 1 percent of all abortions are performed to save the mother’s life.” Dr. Irving
Cushner, Professor of Obstetrics at the UCLA School of Medicine, when testifying before
the U. S. Senate, was asked how often abortions are necessary to save the life of the mother
or to preserve her physical health. His response: “In this country, about 1 percent.”
Other medical professionals go further, stating that abortion is never necessary to save the
mother’s life. Over 1,000 OB-GYNs and maternal healthcare experts signed a statement in 2012,
saying, in part, “As experienced practitioners and researchers in obstetrics and gynaecology,
we affirm that direct abortion—the purposeful destruction of the unborn child—is not medically
necessary to save the life of a woman.” Further, in 2019, “medical leaders representing
more than 30,000 doctors said intentionally killing a late-term unborn baby in an abortion
is never necessary to save a mother’s life.”
Second, let’s remember that God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a
mother and her child despite all the medical odds being against it. Third, even in the
small percentage of abortions performed to save the life of the mother, most of those
abortions can be prevented by an early induced delivery of the baby or a C-section. It is
extremely rare that a baby must be actively aborted in order to save the life of the mother.
Ultimately, if the life of the mother is genuinely at risk, the course of action can only be
decided by the woman, her doctor, oftentimes the father of the child, and God. Any woman
facing this extremely difficult situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5)
as to what He would have her do.
The overwhelming majority of abortions performed today involve women who simply do not want
to have the baby. As indicated above, just 2 percent of abortions are for the reason
of rape, incest, or the mother’s life being at risk. Even in these more difficult 2 percent
of instances, abortion should never be the first option. The life of a human being in
the womb is worth every effort to preserve.
For those who have had an abortion, remember that the sin of abortion is no less forgivable
than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, all sins can be forgiven. A woman who has
had an abortion, a man who has encouraged an abortion, and a doctor who has performed
an abortion—all can be forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ.
Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don’t miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions.org
for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there you’ll
find one book I recommend, along with links to several related questions. If you’d like
to learn about Bible Munch, or if you’re interested in Bite-sized devotionals, subscribe
to Bible Munch on YouTube, it’s linked right here. Now remember, Got questions? The Bible
has answers, and we’ll help you find them!