Life or Death .. Our Choice ?

How Do We As Christians Approach Abortion?

The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, Jeremiah 1:5 implies that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. The foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1 also implies this point. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Consequently, does Exodus 21 accurately prescribe the same penalty for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder? For the Christian, is abortion a matter of a woman’s right to choose, or is it a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image.

The first argument that always arises against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about cases of rape and/or incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, is the murder of a baby the answer? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child who is a result of rape/incest could be given in adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own, or the child could be raised by its mother. Again, the baby is completely innocent; should it be punished for the evil acts of its father?

The second argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done in the world today. Second, let’s remember that our God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds being against it, but the best option in this situation is to pray for wisdom. (I'm really open to feedback on this point.)

Over 95 percent of the abortions performed today involve women who simply do not want to have a baby. Less than 5 percent of abortions are for the reasons of rape, incest, or the mother's health at risk. I believe the life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow the child to be born.

I don’t want this article to insult or offend; I guess I am simply stating my opinion and my interpretation of the bible on this matter and asking for feedback.  I also do not intend to proof text. This is a subject I have formed a very bias opinion about. I know that angels or prophets no longer foretell the births of man, but does that give us as humans the right to decide who lives and dies? When does a fetus become a baby, or a human? When is a baby considered a soul, and when is it just a fetus? I understand that there are extenuating circumstances, and I cannot not properly argue them because I have fortunately never been placed in those situations, but what if Mary had decided she was “not ready” to be a mother and had aborted our savior?