Abortion : Forbidden Under All Circumstances
— A Biblical Examination
Exodus 20:13 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not kill.”
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human life in the womb. Scripture identifies the unborn as living human beings created by God. The taking of innocent life is condemned without exception. No circumstance permits the intentional ending of life in the womb.
Life Begins in the Womb
Psalm 139:13–16 (KJV)
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made… Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written…”
Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”
The unborn are fully human, fully alive, and known by God. Their life is not potential—it is actual, personal, and sacred.
God Alone Has Authority Over Life and Death
Job 1:21 (KJV)
“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Human beings have no authority to decide whose life is more valuable. It is God alone who gives life and has the right to take it.
Situational Considerations — All Must Submit to Scripture
1. Ectopic Pregnancy
In an ectopic pregnancy, the child implants outside the womb. Doctors often say survival is not possible, but there are known cases of survival. The goal must never be to end a life but to preserve both mother and child wherever possible. It is not man’s place to decide who lives or dies.
Genesis 18:14 (KJV)
“Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”
Medical limitations do not override God's authority. Every case must be approached with prayer, humility, and the goal of saving both lives.
2. Rape or Incest
The child is not guilty of the crime committed. God does not permit punishing the innocent for the sins of others.
Deuteronomy 24:16 (KJV)
“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers…”
The horror of rape is not healed by another act of violence. The child is a separate human being with the right to live.
3. Disabilities or Severe Fetal Abnormalities
Every human life bears God’s image and has value regardless of health.
Exodus 4:11 (KJV)
“And the LORD said unto him… who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?”
God is the Creator of each child. No disability removes that child’s right to life.
4. Threat to the Mother’s Life
Every effort must be made to save both mother and child. Directly ending the child’s life is never permitted. Even in emergencies, the goal must be to preserve life, not to choose one over the other.
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Doctors may predict outcomes, but only God determines life and death.
5. Poverty, Unwanted Pregnancy, or Inconvenience
No circumstance of hardship justifies taking life. God promises provision.
Matthew 6:26 (KJV)
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not… yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Circumstances never override God’s command. Every life matters.
Summary of Biblical Teachings on Abortion
| Situation | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Abortion condemned | Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:17 | Taking innocent life is forbidden |
| Life begins in the womb | Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5 | God creates and knows every child before birth |
| God alone decides life and death | Job 1:21 | It is not man’s place to decide who should live or die |
| Rape or incest | Deuteronomy 24:16 | The child is not guilty of the parent’s crime |
| Disabilities or abnormalities | Exodus 4:11 | God forms each life intentionally |
| Mother's life in danger | Proverbs 3:5; Genesis 18:14 | Trust God; aim to save both lives |
| Poverty or fear of hardship | Matthew 6:26 | God provides and cares for His creation |
Conclusion
Abortion is never permitted in Scripture. Life in the womb is sacred, created by God, and protected by His law. In every situation—rape, disability, medical crisis, or hardship—the life of the child remains valuable. The goal must always be to save both mother and child, never to choose one over the other. God's Word gives no exceptions to the command, “Thou shalt not kill.”