Christian Teachings on Abortion

Christian Teachings on Abortion

Abortion or the termination of a pregnancy remains a controversial

issue as much today [in the 21st century] as in the 20th century

before us. The difference in the last century or so is that the

termination of a pregnancy has become a more routine and apparent

risk-free medical procedure. Since the law on abortion has been

liberalized, decisions about whether or not to proceed with an

‘unwanted’ pregnancy have become more for the individual and the

family involved.

Many religions are against abortion due to their belief in the

Sanctity of Life. Acts 17:25 (New International Version) states:

‘because he himself gives all [people] life and breath and everything

else’. This is why Christians believe in the sanctity of life. This is

the belief that all life is sacred and precious and that it is all a

gift from God, and therefore it is only for God to take away. This is

why it is very hard for the Christian church to deal with abortion.

It is unnecessary to point out that Christians generally draw heavily

to the bible for guidance in all matters, however since there is

little consideration of the issue of abortion itself in the bible,

this leaves it open for various opinions to be made from indirect

quotations. For example, anti abortionist Christians will quote those

passages which state the sanctity of life and or the prohibition of

murder: ‘Then God said “let us make man in our image, in our

likeness”… so God created man in his own image, in the image of god he