While the Bible does not mention the word “abortion” directly, it speaks clearly about the value and sanctity of human life from conception. Psalm 139:13-16 reveals the intimate knowledge God has of the unborn: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.”
In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” This establishes that life begins before birth, and each life is purposed by God.
The Law of Moses even protected the unborn. Exodus 21:22-23 provides that if a pregnant woman is injured and loses her child, there is a consequence, “But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life.” This shows that the unborn child’s life had legal and moral weight.
Murder is condemned in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder,” and that command naturally applies to the unborn, who are fully human in the eyes of God.
Abortion, then, is the taking of innocent life, which God hates (Proverbs 6:16-17 lists hands that shed innocent blood among things He abhors). However, God’s mercy is also available. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
