A word for “abortion” is not found in the Bible; however, an unborn baby or fetus is considered alive by God. Exodus 21:22, 23 illustrates the value God puts on an unborn baby. “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life.” To paraphrase: if someone causes a baby to be born prematurely and the baby is fine, the offender will be punished. However if the baby dies, then justice demands a life for a life. Thus we may understand that God considers the unborn as alive.
Additionally, there are other verses in the Bible where God states He is providentially directing the development of a fetus. When Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, was pregnant, God recognized the unborn twins as two nations. Genesis 25:23, “And the LORD said unto her, two nations are in thy womb.”
When the angel prophesied to the mother of Sampson that she would become pregnant, the angel cautioned the woman to drink no alcoholic beverages nor eat unclean animal. Why? Because Samson was dedicated to be a Nazarite while in her womb. Judges 13:4,5: “Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb.”
Life is a blessing from God. The begettal and birth of children are considered to be a reward from God. Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” A reward is something to be greatly valued. Should people destroy gifts from God?
