Daily Christian Journey

The Value of Unborn Life: A Biblical Perspective

In the book of Exodus, a passage stands out as particularly relevant to the issue of abortion. Exodus 21:22-25 describes a scenario in which two men accidentally cause a pregnant woman to give birth prematurely, but without harm to the mother or child. Despite the unintentional nature of the act, the men are still held accountable and fined for endangering the life of the unborn child and its mother.

However, if harm does come to the mother or child, the penalty is much more severe. The text states, “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” This emphasis on the value of human life, particularly unborn life, is noteworthy.

A Higher Premium on Protection

What’s striking about this passage is that it represents the only instance in the Mosaic law code where accidental death is punishable by capital punishment. Normally, accidental death would result in a lesser penalty, such as fleeing to a designated city and waiting for a certain period. However, in the case of unborn life, God seems to place a higher premium on protection.

This distinction is significant, suggesting that the value of unborn life is paramount. If causing the accidental death of an unborn child warrants such a severe penalty, how much more serious must it be to intentionally take the life of an unborn child?

Implications for Christian Ethics

This biblical perspective has profound implications for Christian ethics and our understanding of the value of human life. As we consider the complexities of abortion and the pro-life movement, it’s essential to remember that our stance on these issues should be guided by a deep respect for the sanctity of human life, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the unborn.

By examining the biblical account and its emphasis on the value of unborn life, we can gain a deeper understanding of why protecting life is essential to our faith and our humanity.