The Bible consistently affirms the value and sanctity of human life from the moment of conception. One of the clearest passages addressing harm to an unborn child is found in Exodus 21:22–23:

“If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she has a miscarriage, yet there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life.”

Understanding This Scripture

This law shows that God views the unborn child as a real, valuable human life worthy of legal protection.

• Causing the death of the child through violence was treated as a serious offense — not a minor property damage.
• If the child or mother was killed, the principle of “life for life” applied, the same standard used for other human beings.

This passage strongly supports the idea that the unborn child is a distinct human person, not merely a part of the mother’s body.

Additional Supporting Scriptures

The Bible reinforces the personhood and value of the unborn in many other places:

• Psalm 139:13–16 “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” → God is personally involved in the formation of every child in the womb.
• Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” → God knows and calls individuals before birth.
• Luke 1:41–44 When Mary visited Elizabeth, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb for joy at the presence of the unborn Jesus. Elizabeth called Mary “the mother of my Lord.” → The Bible refers to the unborn as persons capable of responding to God’s presence.
• Genesis 9:6 and the broader biblical ethic Human life is sacred because we are made in the image of God (Imago Dei). This image begins at conception.

Why This Matters Today

Abortion intentionally ends the life of an innocent, unborn child. According to the biblical witness, this act violates the commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and contradicts God’s view of the unborn as persons under His care.

The Exodus 21 passage demonstrates that even accidental harm to an unborn child carried serious consequences. How much more, then, should intentional ending of that life be viewed as incompatible with God’s standards?

A Compassionate Christian Response

While the Bible is clear on the sanctity of life, Christians are called to respond with both truth and love. This means:

• Affirming the value of every child, born and unborn.
• Offering real, practical help to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies (support, counseling, resources, adoption options).
• Extending grace and the Gospel to those who have had abortions, because forgiveness and healing are available through Jesus Christ.

As watchmen and ambassadors of Christ, we are called to protect the vulnerable, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and promote a culture that values life, love, and responsibility.

In summary: Scripture teaches that the unborn child is a human being created in God’s image, known by Him, and deserving of protection. Exodus 21:22–23 and many other passages provide a strong biblical foundation for why abortion should not be practiced. God calls His people to defend life while showing the love of Christ to a hurting world.