So far we have covered the medical and legal ramifications of abortion. Now it is time for the most important part of the discussion: what does the Bible say about abortion?
Life in the womb
The main issue that needs addressed is whether or not the life that was conceived is a living human person. God created everything, contained in three classes of life; plants, animals and people; under which category could this conceived life be classified? Plants, animals, and people all reproduce after their own kind. Since the life inside of a human womb is not a plant or animal, it obviously must be human. Most versions of the Bible do not mention the words “human” or “human being” in referencing anyone. Instead it uses “man,” “woman,” “child,” “son,” “daughter,” “baby,” and “infant.” This means the Bible refers to the unborn baby with terms that imply it is human, just as it does for other humans. (Visit The Bible and Abortions for more information.)
Genesis 25:22 speaks of Rebekah when she was carrying twins and states that the “children struggled within her.” Luke 1:41 tells of the babe in Elisabeth’s womb leaping at the sound of Mary’s voice. Luke 1:36 tells us that Elisabeth conceived a son. In Psalm 139:13-17, David praises God for forming him in his mothers womb. All of these verses talk about children who are in the womb and it speaks of them as living. So if something is living, what gives us the right to kill it? Even if the baby is living because of a sin committed by the mother or is simply an unplanned pregnancy, what right do we have to take the life of another living being? The simple answer is none. Matthew 19:18: “Jesus said, Thou shall do no murder…”
Post-abortion
So, what about someone who had an abortion and now realizes it was wrong? You can still be forgiven. God offers forgiveness for any sin through His son when we come to Him and repent. Rom. 1:16; 6:3, 4; 10:9, 10; Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30; 2:38; 22:16. Even after you have asked for forgiveness, you may still have feelings of guilt. Although I have never had an abortion, there are many girls and women who have had one and then realize how wrong their decision was. There are young women who know it is wrong but have one because they feel pressured into having it or simply go ahead with it because they don’t want to admit their sin.
There are millions of personal testimonies online written by women who have had an abortion, including one by the author Vicki Courtney. Guilt, regret and self destruction seem to be the aftermath of abortion in almost all of their stories. And most admit that until they accepted God and repented for their past, they were not able to let go of their decision.
Unplanned pregnancy
If you or a friend is struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, I encourage you to talk to a counselor and sooner rather than later, your parents. If you need more help deciding what to do, there are life-choosing options. Heartbeat International is a pro-life Christian pregnancy center and they can help with your situation. If you would like to call them, you can do so at 1-800-395-HELP. They are non-judgmental and offer a variety of services. By using their website or calling, you can find a center that is close to you.
There are many agencies out there that would be able to help and give you the guidance that you need. But no matter what guidance is given, none is as great as God’s love and commands for us, including His command to care for His children (Matthew 18:5).
By Sarah J. Ancheta
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