Where In The Bible Does It Talk About Abortion?
Abortion is one of the most controversial topics in our society today, with passionate viewpoints on both sides of the debate. For many, the question of whether the Bible condones or condemns abortion is an important one in forming their position.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There are no direct references to abortion in the Bible. However, some verses have been interpreted as implying that a fetus has value and rights.
The Bible’s stance on abortion is not definitive and remains a topic of theological debate.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine relevant Biblical passages, analyze how different Christian denominations interpret them, and provide an overview of the complexities surrounding this issue.
Exodus 21:22-25 and Causing a Miscarriage
The Original Hebrew Text and Translation Issues
The passage in Exodus 21:22-25 deals with a situation where two men are fighting and strike a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry. The original Hebrew text has some ambiguities that have led to different translations and interpretations.
The key phrase that is debated is “her children come out” in verse 22. The Hebrew word used here for “come out” can mean either miscarry/abort or premature live birth. So some translations say the woman “gives birth prematurely”, while others say she “miscarries.”
There are also debates around the word translated as “harm” or “injury” in verse 22. Some argue this refers only to the mother, others say it refers to both the mother and child.
So the passage could be interpreted as saying if there is premature birth but no injury then a fine is paid. But if there is injury/death of the mother or child, then the “life for life” principle is applied as punishment.
Jewish Interpretation and Commentary
Within Judaism, there is debate around whether Exodus 21:22-25 refers to miscarriage or premature live birth. But a strong rabbinic tradition sees it as referring to miscarriage and abortion.
Several key Jewish commentators like Rashi, Rashbam, and Ibn Ezra interpret the passage as referring to a miscarriage, not premature birth. They see verses 23-25 as indicating penalties when a woman miscarries due to being struck.
The Mishnah likewise applies the “life for life” principle to a fetus. It argues that if a woman is in difficult labor, the fetus must be dismembered to save the mother’s life. Indicating the fetus has a “life” status.[1]
So the traditional mainstream Jewish view sees Exodus 21:22-25 as applicable to abortion and the unborn having a right to “life.” But more liberal Jewish thinkers dispute this interpretation.
Christian Interpretation and Denominational Differences
Among Christians there are very different views on whether Exodus 21:22-25 is about miscarriage and abortion or not. Catholic and Protestant interpretations diverge significantly.
The Catholic church and several Protestant groups like Presbyterians see it as referring to miscarriage. And they argue strongly based on this text that the unborn have a right to life from conception.[2] [3]
Meanwhile, many other Protestant groups like Methodists and Episcopalians believe Exodus 21 is about premature birth, not miscarriage. They argue this text does not definitively address modern ethical issues around abortion.[4] [5]
So there are fundamental denominational divides in Christianity around whether Exodus 21:22-25 opposes abortion or not. The passage continues to be intensely debated.
Jeremiah 1:5 – Known Before Being Born
Context Within Jeremiah
The book of Jeremiah records the prophecies and teachings of the prophet Jeremiah, who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Jeremiah 1:5 comes near the beginning of the book, where God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet and assures him that He will be with Jeremiah in this task.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells Jeremiah, “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 verse affirms that God knew and had a plan for Jeremiah even before he was conceived and born.
Though Jeremiah felt unworthy and unprepared to be a prophet, God assured him that He had chosen Jeremiah and would equip him for the task.
This verse is situated within the context of Jeremiah’s divine call to be a prophet. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty, omniscience, and providence in appointing Jeremiah for a specific purpose, even before his birth.
The broader context in Jeremiah highlights God’s justice in punishing Judah’s unfaithfulness, but also His compassion in promising future restoration.
Relevance Regarding Ensoulment and Personhood
Jeremiah 1:5 has been utilized in ethical discussions about ensoulment and personhood, especially concerning abortion. Though the verse does not directly address philosophical concepts like ensoulment (the timing of the soul’s infusion into the body), it does affirm God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty over Jeremiah even in his mother’s womb.
This implies Jeremiah’s humanity and value as a person from conception.
The concept of personhood seeks to define when human life should be valued and protected. Some argue personhood begins at conception based on verses like Jeremiah 1:5, while others argue it begins later in development. There is much ethical debate around using this verse regarding abortion.
However, it does indicate that God sees and knows individuals before birth, which many interpret as imparting value and dignity at the earliest stages of life.
This prenatal election and calling of Jeremiah seems to imply he was set apart as a prophet prior to birth. Though ensoulment and personhood are complex philosophical concepts, Jeremiah 1:5 offers a perspective on God’s relationship with and foreknowledge of individuals before birth.
This continues to be referenced regarding ethical issues like the morality and legality of abortion.
Psalm 139:13-16 – Knit Together In the Womb
Examining the Metaphorical Language
Psalm 139:13-16 uses vivid metaphorical language to poetically describe God’s intimate involvement in forming human life in the womb. The psalmist compares the embryonic development to being “knit together”, evoking images of a seamstress skillfully weaving a garment.
Just as thread is intentionally interlaced to create a piece of clothing, the psalmist sees the human body intricately formed by God’s own hands (“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb”).
The biological process of cells multiplying and tissues growing is cast in a personal light, with God as the master craftsman watchfully supervising the miraculous transformation from a fertilized egg into a fully formed infant.
In verse 15, the metaphor shifts to God seeing the child when it was still “unformed substance”, perhaps referring to the earliest embryonic stage when cell differentiation has just begun. Even before the fetus takes recognizable shape, the psalmist marvels that God’s eyes saw it clearly.
God has perfect knowledge of human development from its tiniest beginnings inside the womb.
The metaphors convey a strong sense of wonder, intimacy, and continuity between the creative work of embryonic formation and the ongoing act of living. Every aspect of human existence – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – is intentionally crafted by the ever-present God “in whose book all our days were written, before ever they began” (Psalm 139:16).
From the poem’s perspective, human life has sanctity and significance from conception onward as part of God’s creative plan.
When Does Life Begin According to the Psalm?
While Psalm 139 poetically describes God’s personal care in forming human life in utero, it does not directly answer controversial modern questions about when human life or moral worth begins during gestation.
The psalmist voices awe of God’s intimate involvement at all points, but does not specify any decisive moment marking the onset of personhood. Nevertheless, the seamless continuity and God’s watchful supervision even from the “unformed substance” stage suggests that embryonic development holds sacred status in God’s eyes from conception onward.
Biblical Principles About the Sanctity of Life
Genesis 9:6 – Shedding of Innocent Blood
Genesis 9:6 states “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” This verse establishes the sanctity of human life, as humans are made in the image of God. Shedding innocent human blood is a grievous sin.
This would apply to abortion, which involves shedding the blood of an unborn human baby.
Some key implications from this verse:
- Human life has intrinsic value because we are made in God’s image
- Shedding innocent blood pollutes the land and humanity’s relationship with God
- Taking human life has grave moral consequences
Exodus 20:13 – Commandment Against Murder
The sixth commandment given by God is: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13). Murder involves intentional, unjustified killing. If the unborn baby is viewed as human, then abortion would qualify as murder.
Some observations about this verse:
- This commandment reinforces that human life is precious to God
- No exceptions are given – all unjustified killing is prohibited
- A consistent pro-life ethic opposes abortion as it constitutes murder of the unborn
- However, ethical complexities do exist when the life of the mother is at risk
So in short, Exodus 20:13 protects and upholds the value of human life. The debate hinges on whether the unborn is considered fully human. If so, then abortion violates the sixth commandment.
Different Christian Denominational Positions on Abortion
Catholic Church Views
The Catholic Church has consistently condemned abortion as a grave sin. The Church teaches that life begins at conception and that every human life has inherent dignity and worth. This stance is rooted in teachings going back to the early Church fathers.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.” The Church does allow for indirect abortion in cases where a lifesaving medical procedure unintentionally results in the death of the fetus.
Pope Francis has strongly condemned abortion, comparing it to “hiring a hitman” to solve a problem. He has emphasized the need for mercy and healing for women who have had abortions, while upholding the sacredness of unborn life.
Southern Baptist Perspective
The Southern Baptist Convention officially opposes abortion, except to save the life of the mother. Their statement of beliefs says “children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.”
Southern Baptists believe abortion violates the Bible’s command against the intentional destruction of innocent human life. They also see it as incompatible with Scripture’s view of children as blessings from God. The SBC supports legislation to restrict abortion access.
However, views among Southern Baptists are not unanimous. Surveys show many rank-and-file members do not think abortion should be illegal in all cases. Southern Baptist churches allow members freedom to decide for themselves.
United Methodist Church Stance
The United Methodist Church seeks to recognize the sanctity of unborn human life while also recognizing tragic conflicts related to abortion. Their official position states: “We recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures.”
United Methodists believe decisions about abortion should be made by a woman after thoughtful consideration of factors like ability to care for a child, medical issues, fetal abnormalities, the effect on family, and other relevant circumstances.
The Church emphasizes ministries to reduce the need for abortions.
Differing Opinions Within Other Denominations
While official denominational positions exist, there is diversity of opinion on abortion within many Protestant churches. For example, Episcopalians have ranging views from fully pro-life to fully pro-choice.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America says abortion decisions should be made privately considering individual circumstances.
Some denominations like the Assemblies of God and Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod take an abortion-opposing stance similar to the Catholic and Southern Baptist churches. Others like the United Church of Christ fully support abortion access.
Polls show believers hold complex opinions not always aligned with official church doctrines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible does not explicitly mention abortion, but passages and principles have been applied to develop perspectives on the issue. There is complex debate around interpretation. While some see biblical justification for strong opposition to abortion, others contend the Bible is inconclusive and emphasizes prioritizing compassion.
The Christian denominations vary significantly in their doctrinal stances, underscoring the difficulty in declaring a definitive biblical position on abortion. Ultimately, followers of Christ must carefully wrestle with biblical principles, using wisdom and discernment when applying them to this sensitive topic.
