THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/Abortion

Tens of millions of unborn babies are deliberately aborted each year-a number that exceeds the population of many countries.

A personal choice or a question of morality?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Women who  have an abortion do so for various reasons, including economic  hardship, relationship problems, the desire for freedom to pursue further education or a career, or not wanting to be a single mother. Others, however, view abortion as morally wrong-a violation o the trust that has been placed upon a pregnant woman. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

In God's eyes, life-especially human life-is sacred.   (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 36:9)  This principle applies to a baby growing in the womb, and at conception, a place designed by God to be a safe haven for a developing child.  '"You kept me screened off in my mother's womb," said a Bible writer.  He added:  "Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; all its parts were written in your book regarding the days when they were formed." -Psalm 139:13, 16.

God's view of the life of an unborn child is also reflected in his Law to the nation of Israel and in our God-given conscience. God's Law stated that a person who assaulted a pregnant woman and killed her unborn child was subject to the death penalty-the killer paying with his own life for the life he took.  (Exodus 21:22, 23)  Of course, the judges had to take into account motives and circumstances. -Numbers 35:22-24, 31.

Humans are also endowed with a conscience. When a woman heeds her conscience or inner voice, by respecting the life of her unborn child, her conscience rewards her.  If she violates her conscience, it may trouble her or even condemn her.  (Romans  2:14, 15) Indeed, studies indicate that women who have an abortion also have an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

What, though, if the prospect of rearing a child seems daunting, especially when the pregnancy is not planned?  Note God's reassuring promise to those who loyally live by his standards:  "With someone loyal you act in loyalty; with the blameless man [or woman] you deal blamelessly."  (Psalm 18:25) We also read:  "Jehovah loves justice, and he will not abandon his loyal ones." -Psalm 37:28. 

"Their conscience is bearing witness with them, and by their own thoughts they are being accused or excused." -Romans 2:15. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ABORTION -What if you had an abortion?

From the Awake! magazine