What Does the Bible Say About Abortion? Is It Sin?

The word “abortion” does not appear in the Bible, but Scripture plainly teaches that human life in the womb is created by God, known by God, and precious to God. Therefore, the deliberate destruction of an unborn child is sin.

God Is the Author of Life in the Womb

David wrote:

“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: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
—Psalm 139:13–14

He continued:

“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect…”
—Psalm 139:15–16

An unborn child is not merely a collection of cells or a disposable part of the mother’s body. The child is a developing human life being formed under the knowledge and providence of God.

God Knows the Child Before Birth

God told Jeremiah:

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”
—Jeremiah 1:5

This verse speaks particularly of God’s calling of Jeremiah, but it also shows that Jeremiah’s life and identity were known to God before his birth. The womb did not hide him from God or make him less valuable.

The Bible Calls the Unborn Child a “Babe”

When Mary visited Elisabeth, Scripture says:

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb…”
—Luke 1:41

Elisabeth later said:

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
—Luke 1:44

The Holy Ghost calls John the Baptist a “babe” while he was still in the womb. Scripture does not treat him as a mere object, tissue, or potential human being. He was already a living child.

God Forbids the Taking of Innocent Human Life

The sixth commandment declares:

“Thou shalt not kill.”
—Exodus 20:13

The meaning is the unlawful taking of human life—murder. God also says that He hates:

“…hands that shed innocent blood.”
—Proverbs 6:17

An unborn child has committed no crime and deserves protection. Elective abortion intentionally ends that innocent human life. Therefore, according to the plain principles of Scripture, abortion is sin.

The Child Is a Blessing, Not a Burden

Scripture says:

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
—Psalm 127:3

Modern culture often portrays an unexpected child as an inconvenience, financial problem, or obstacle to personal plans. God calls the fruit of the womb “his reward.” Human circumstances do not determine the value of a child’s life.

Is There Forgiveness After an Abortion?

Yes. Abortion is a serious sin, but it is not beyond the saving grace and cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
—Ephesians 1:7

The Bible promises believers:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9

A woman who has had an abortion, a man who encouraged one, or anyone who participated in one should not excuse the sin—but neither should that person believe that forgiveness is impossible. Jesus Christ died for sinners and offers full salvation by grace through faith:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
—Ephesians 2:8–9

Conclusion

The conservative biblical position is clear:

Human life begins in the womb, the unborn child is a human being created and known by God, and the deliberate killing of that innocent child is sin.

Christians should defend unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, encourage fathers to accept their responsibilities, promote adoption, and extend the truth and grace of Jesus Christ to those carrying guilt from a past abortion.