The Bible is by far the most influential book known to mankind, and the subject of abortion has been a source of debate, confusion, and contention across various faiths and ideologies. Abortion is not explicitly mentioned in the bible, so the debate over whether abortion is permissible or not quickly becomes a battle of interpretation.
The Bible, however, provides evidence of attitudes towards life in the womb, such as in Psalm 139:13: “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse implies that life is present within the womb, and it’s a life God has intentionally formed, which is often interpreted as implying a form of sanctity from the moment of conception. On the other hand, the Bible provides evidence of God allowing, requiring, or commanding abortion under certain circumstances, such as in the cases of Pharaoh’s daughter who orders slave Midianite women to be killed while in childbirth, and God’s command to the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites’s children.
These conflicting examples of the Bible’s view on abortion can cause confusion for many who are looking for a definitive answer. Scholarly opinion is divided on this matter. Psychotherapist David Kyle Foster— a prominent Christian commentator— suggests that the Bible does not condone abortion because it prioritizes the lives of children who have been born.
Conversely, prominent theologians such as Reverend Clara E. Hinton, an ordained minister who has written on abortion from a biblical understanding, suggest that there are different levels of “life” and the term “child” implies some form of maturity or adulthood. Therefore, according to this interpretation there is moral permission – not necessarily a command – for abortion in certain cases.
Although there are many conflicting views, it is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly forbid or condone abortion. That being said, it can be concluded that the Bible ultimately tells us to exercise judgement, as well as love and responsibility, in our decisions. We should strive to act in a way that adheres to the spirit of protecting life at all costs, while also being mindful of the situations of the individuals involved.
Exceptions
It is not uncommon for discussions about abortion to focus on the extreme cases of either accepting or condemning the practice. But, amidst the dichotomy of opinion, it is easy to overlook exceptions that are briefed in the Bible.
For example, Exodus 21:22-25 allows for capital punishment for a pregnant woman whose unborn child forms part of the crime. This implies that the mother’s life is of greater value than the unborn child’s.
In addition, Numbers 5:27 states: ‘if she has made herself impure but has not been unfaithful to her husband, she will be cleared of guilt and will be able to have children again.’
The implication here is that the “thornbush” metaphors used by scholars, when referring to an abortion, can also be found in the Bible. The law in Numbers 5:27 provided a mechanism, which is often interpreted as removing a potential pregnancy in cases of sin.
Advice on Decision Making
The Bible has a few guidelines which can help individuals who need to make difficult decisions concerning abortion. It is important to note that the bible does not explicitly condone or prohibit abortion, but rather provides advice on how to make decisions in a time of need.
First, Proverbs 16:23 offers guidance on the importance of not acting out of haste: “The wise man thinks before he acts.” Instead, prayer and seeking wise counsel from experienced people, including religious authorities, can provide an invaluable source of perspective.
Second, James 1:5 encourages us to, “ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Asking for divine guidance helps to align our decisions with His will, when waiting on Him in prayer.
Third, the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12, ” do unto others as you would have them do to you”, should provide guidance and helps us to consider the implications of our decisions on others in our communities.
Modern Debates
Modern debates on the issue of abortion are drawn from the interpretation of biblical passages and church traditions. Lawmakers in the United States are also heavily influenced by their understanding of the Bible’s views on abortion.
The Supreme Court has argued that abortion can be justified when it is necessary to protect a woman’s life, health, and general well-being. However, there are still those who believe that abortion is strictly forbidden in the Bible and vehemently disagree with a woman’s right to choose.
Many people of faith tend to add their negative attitudes to the abortion debate, keeping the debate polarized and further isolating women from accessing proper health care.
At the same time, many Christian organizations and individuals are leading the way in providing counseling, social support and resources to help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Other Religious Teachings
Other religious teachings can provide additional perspective in the abortion debate. For example, the Islamic faith also does not explicity condon or forbid abortion. However, abortion past the first trimester is considered a greater sin, under Islamic law.
In Hinduism, abortion is seen as a last resort and should only be considered in the best interest of the mother’s life. Buddhists generally see abortion as a hasty action, and when considering an abortion, it should be done with circumspection and attentive reflection.
When looking at further religious teachings, it is evident that Christianity is not the only perspective in the abortion debate and that other religious teachings also highlight the importance of serious consideration and contemplation when approached with abortion-related decisions.
Societal Impact
The discussion around abortion is not one focused on religion and morality, but rather the practical impact of access to abortion on society.
Religious leaders have moved away from using the Bible as the one-stop shop for answers and have instead looked to empirical data to understand the impact of access to abortion. Studies have found that when abortion is made more accessible and affordable, it positively affects the lives of women and children, as well as communities as a whole.
For instance, abortion can have a positive impact on women’s mental and physical health if it’s done in a safe and supportive environment, and it can also provide a much needed economic relief for low-income families who are struggling to financially care for multiple children. Likewise, restricted access to abortion increases the number of children born in poverty, who are more likely to be unsuccessful in the long-term.
Overall, discussions around abortion should require a multi-faceted approach in order to assess the various implications and effects on individuals and entire communities. Religion can play a significant role in this broader context, as it strives to bring a spiritual and moral component to the discussion.
