Ezekiel

1
MORAL ISSUE 6 ABORTION
2
Definition Abortion- the termination of a
pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or
closely followed by the death of the embryo or
fetus.
3
Question How long has abortion been around?
4
A Brief History of Abortion The history of
abortion, according to anthropologists, dates
back to ancient times. There is evidence to
suggest that, historically, pregnancies were
terminated through a number of methods, including
the administration of abortifacient herbs, the
use of sharpened implements, the application of
abdominal pressure, and other techniques. In the
United States, abortion laws began to appear in
the 1820s, forbidding abortion after the fourth
month of pregnancy. Through the efforts primarily
of physicians, the American Medical Association,
and legislators, most abortions in the US had
been outlawed by 1900. Illegal abortions were
still frequent, though they became less frequent
during the reign of the Comstock Law which
essentially banned birth control information and
devices. By 1965, all fifty states banned
abortion, with some exceptions which varied by
state to save the life of the mother, in cases
of rape or incest, or if the fetus was deformed.
Groups like the National Abortion Rights Action
League and the Clergy Consultation Service on
Abortion worked to liberalize anti-abortion laws.
The Supreme Court in 1973, in the case of Roe
v. Wade, declared most existing state abortion
laws unconstitutional. This decision ruled out
any legislative interference in the first
trimester of pregnancy and put limits on what
restrictions could be passed on abortions in
later stages of pregnancy.
5
Question What are the current laws in the U.S.
regarding abortion?
6
In January 22, 1973 the famous Roe vs. Wade case
was decided by the Supreme Court. The central
holding of Roe v. Wade was that abortions are
permissible for any reason a woman chooses, up
until the "point at which the fetus becomes
viable, that is, potentially able to live
outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial
aid. Viability is usually placed at about seven
months (28 weeks) but may occur earlier, even at
24 weeks. More specifically, the ruling was
that during the first three months of pregnancy
the decision to abort rests solely with the woman
and her doctor during the second three months,
the State can regulate the abortion procedure to
protect maternal health during the third three
months, when the fetus is viable, the State can
regulate or even prohibit abortion except when it
is necessary for the mothers mental or physical
health. The decision overturned all state and
federal laws outlawing or restricting abortion
that were inconsistent with its holdings. Roe is
one of the most controversial and politically
significant cases in U.S. Supreme Court history.
7
In June 2005, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed
and put into effect in the state of Texas a new,
tougher measure that requires a parent to provide
written consent for abortion for unmarried girls
under 18. The bill also restricts doctors from
performing abortions on women who have carried a
child for more than 26 weeks third trimester
unless having the baby would jeopardize the
woman's life or the baby has serious brain
damage.
8
Question How big of a problem is abortion in
the world today?
9
STARTLING STATISTICS Number of Reported
Abortions Performed in the U.S. from
1972-1995 1972 586,760 1976 988,267
1980 1,297,606 1985 1,328,570 1990
1,429,577 1991 1,388,937 1992 1,359,145
1993 1,330,414 1994 1,267,415 1995
1,210,883 Number of abortions performed by
weeks of gestation in 1995 in 35 states 8
weeks 340,109 9-10 weeks
142,893 11-12 weeks 67,392 13-15 weeks
38,634 16-20 weeks 27,411 21 weeks
8,862 Total 625,301
10

• World Abortion Statistics
• 54 countries allow abortion, which is about 61
  percent of the world population.  97 countries,
  about 39 percent of the population, have abortion
  laws that make it illegal according to the
  pro-abortion Center for Reproductive Law and
  Policy in New York.
• The Alan Guttmacher Institute reports
  approximately 22 million legal abortions were
  reported in 1987.
• It is estimated that between four and nine
  million were not reported, totaling of 26-31
  million legal abortions in 1987 alone.
• There were a total of 10-22 million
  "clandestine secret abortions, bringing the
  total worldwide figure to 36 and 53 million
  abortions.
• France Legalized Peru -
  IllegalBritain Legalized
  Brazil - IllegalSwitzerland Legalized
  Australia - LegalizedDenmark legalized
  China -LegalizedHungary Legalized
  United States - Legalized Romania
  Legalized Russia - LegalizedPoland
  Illegal Italy -
  LegalizedColombia Illegal
  Mexico - Illegal

11
A Roman Catholic Cardinal, pleading for the
Right to Life Amendment, said, Every nine
days, there are as many deaths by abortion as
there were in the entire ten years of the Vietnam
War. (1974) Dr. Bernard Nathanson, the former
director of New Yorks first abortion clinic, is
convinced that he supervised the taking of 60,000
lives. (1976) It was stated in Chicago, One out
of every three children conceived will be aborted
here this yearAn estimated 200 abortions will be
performed each day in Chicago. (1973). In 1974,
about 900,000 abortions were performed in the
U.S. The rate in Russia is about ten times
higher or about ten million abortions per year.
(1976)
12
Questions Was the U.S. Supreme Court right?
Does an embryo and/or a fetus not constitute a
human life?
13
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
14
Fetal DevelopmentFrom Conception to Birth
15
The First Trimester
The picture above is a fertilized egg only thirty
hours after conception. Magnified here, it is no
larger than the head of a pin. Still rapidly
dividing, the developing embryo, called a zygote
at this stage, floats down from the fallopian
tube and towards the uterus.
16
Week 3 At this point, the blastocyst, or
developing embryo, is looking for a spot to
implant in the uterus. The foundation of the
central nervous system, backbone, and spinal
column has been established by 19 days. The
gastrointestinal system has also begun to develop
with the kidneys, liver, and intestines forming.
The babys eyes begin to form at 19 days. The
heart has begun to form and has begun to beat by
day twenty-one. Week 4 Hormones produced by the
embryo stop the mother's menstrual cycle.
17
Week 4
18
Week 5 By the beginning of the second month, the
unborn child looks distinctly human, yet the
mother is not aware that she is pregnant. The
embryo's tiny heart begins to beat by day
twenty-one. The brain has developed into 5 areas
and some cranial nerves are visible. Arm and leg
buds are visible and the formation of the eyes,
lips, and nose has begun. The spinal cord grows
faster than the rest of the body giving a tail
like appearance which disappears as the embryo
continues to grow. The placenta begins to provide
nourishment for the embryo. The stomach produces
digestive juices, the liver manufactures blood
cells, and the kidneys are functioning.
19
Week 7 Major organs have all begun to form. The
embryo has developed its own blood type, unique
from the mother's. Hair follicles and nipples
form and knees and elbows are visible. Facial
features are also observable. The eyes have a
retina and lens. The major muscle system is
developed and the embryo is able to move.
20
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
21
6 weeksPhoto taken after surgery for an ectopic
pregnancy
22
Week 7
23
Week 8 The embryo is reactive to its environment
inside the amniotic sac where it swims and moves.
Hands and feet can be seen. At the end of week 8,
the embryonic period is over and the fetal stage
begins. After week 8, no further original organs
will formeverything that is already present will
be found in the full-term baby. From this point
until adulthood, when full growth is achieved
somewhere between 25 and 27 years, the changes in
the body will be mainly in dimension.
24
Week 8
25
Weeks 9-12 The heart is almost completely
developed and the heart rate can be heard on a
Doppler machine at the doctor's office. Most
major organs and tissues have developed and red
blood cells are now produced in the liver. The
face is well formed and the eyes are almost
fully developed. The eyelids will close and not
reopen until the 28th week. Arms, hands,
fingers, legs, feet, and toes are fully formed.
Nails and earlobes start to form and tooth buds
develop in the gums. Fetus can make a fist with
its finger. Testosterone (male sex hormone) is
produced by the testes in male fetus. In the
third month, the child becomes very active and by
the end of the month kicks his legs, turns his
feet, moves his thumbs, bends his wrists, turns
his head, frowns, squints, and opens his mouth.
26
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
27
Weeks 9-12
28
The Second Trimester
Weeks 13-16 The brain is fully developed and the
fetus can suck, swallow, and make irregular
breathing sounds. Fetus can feel pain (New
England Journal of Medicine). Fetal skin is
almost transparent. Muscles tissue is lengthening
and bones are becoming harder. Liver and organs
produce appropriate fluids. Eyebrows and
eyelashes appear and the fetus makes active
movements including kicks and even somersaults.
16 weeks
29
16 weeks
30
16 weeks
31
17 weeks
32
19 weeks
33
Week 20 Quickening (when the mother can feel
the fetus moving) usually occurs around this
time. Finger and toenails appear. Lanugo, a fine
hair, now covers the entire body. The fetus can
hear and recognize the mothers voice. Sex organs
are visible on ultrasound devices.
34
A picture began circulating in November. It
should be The Picture of the Year, or perhaps,
Picture of the Decade. The picture is that of a
21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander
Armas, who is being operated on by a surgeon
named Joseph Bruner. The baby was diagnosed with
spina bifida and would not survive if removed
from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's
mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in
Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable
surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt
University Medical Center in Nashville, he
performs these special operations while the baby
is still in the womb. During the procedure, the
doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes
a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr.
Bruner completed the surgery on little Samuel,
the little guy reached his tiny, but fully
developed, hand through the incision and firmly
grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr. Bruner was
reported as saying that when his finger was
grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his
life, and that for an instant during the
procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.
The photograph captures this amazing event with
perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture,
Hand of Hope. The text explaining the picture
begins, The tiny hand of 21-week-old fetus
Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's
uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner
as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.
Little Samuel's mother said they wept for days
when they saw the picture. She said, The photo
that reminds us of my pregnancy isn't about
disability or an illness, it's about a little
person. Samuel was born in perfect health,
the operation 100 per cent successful. Now see
the actual picture, and it is awesome...
incredible. And hey, pass it on. The world needs
to see this one.
35
(No Transcript)
36
The Third Trimester
Week 24 A protective waxy substance called
Vernix covers the skin. By birth, most of the
Vernix will be gone but any that is left is
quickly absorbed. Fetus has a hand and startle
reflex. Footprints and fingerprints are forming.
Fetus practices breathing by inhaling amniotic
fluid into its developing lungs. Weeks 25 -
28 Rapid brain development occurs during this
period and the nervous system is able to control
some bodily functions. The fetus eyelids now
open and close. At 25 weeks there is a 60
chance of survival if born. The fetus is
considered legally viable at 28 weeks and there
is a 90 chance of survival if born at this
point. Weeks 29 - 32 There is a rapid increase
in the amount of body fat the fetus has. Rhythmic
breathing occurs, but the lungs are not yet
mature. The fetus sleeps 90-95 of the day. At
this point there the survival rate is above 95
if the baby is born.
37
Weeks 38 - 40 The fetus is considered full-term.
Lanugo is gone except on upper arms and
shoulders. Hair on the babys head is now coarser
and thicker. The lungs are mature. The average
weight of the baby at this point is seven and a
half pounds. At birth the placenta detaches from
the uterus and the umbilical cord will be cut as
the baby takes his first breaths of air.
Breathing will trigger changes in the heart and
bypass arteries forcing all blood to now travel
through the lungs.
38
24 weeks
39
24 weeks
40
26 weeks
41
28 weeks
42
Birth36 weeks
43
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
44
Abortion What Does God Think About It?
45
Definition Abortion- the termination of a
pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or
closely followed by the death of the embryo or
fetus.
46
Question How long has abortion been around?
47
A Brief History of Abortion The history of
abortion, according to anthropologists, dates
back to ancient times. In the United States,
abortion laws began to appear in the 1820s,
forbidding abortion after the fourth month of
pregnancy. Through the efforts primarily of
physicians, the American Medical Association, and
legislators, most abortions in the US had been
outlawed by 1900. By 1965, all fifty states
banned abortion, with some exceptions which
varied by state to save the life of the mother,
in cases of rape or incest, or if the fetus was
deformed. Groups like the National Abortion
Rights Action League and the Clergy Consultation
Service on Abortion worked to liberalize
anti-abortion laws. The Supreme Court in 1973,
in the case of Roe v. Wade, declared most
existing state abortion laws unconstitutional.
This decision ruled out any legislative
interference in the first trimester of pregnancy
and put limits on what restrictions could be
passed on abortions in later stages of pregnancy.

48
Question What are the current laws in the U.S.
regarding abortion?
49
In January 22, 1973 the famous Roe vs. Wade case
was decided by the Supreme Court. The ruling was
that during the first three months of pregnancy
the decision to abort rests solely with the woman
and her doctor during the second three months,
the State can regulate the abortion procedure to
protect maternal health during the third three
months, when the fetus is viable, the State can
regulate or even prohibit abortion except when it
is necessary for the mothers mental or physical
health. The decision overturned all state and
federal laws outlawing or restricting abortion
that were inconsistent with its holdings. Roe is
one of the most controversial and politically
significant cases in U.S. Supreme Court history.
50
In June 2005, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed
and put into effect in the state of Texas a new,
tougher measure that restricts doctors from
performing abortions on women who have carried a
child for more than 26 weeks third trimester
unless having the baby would jeopardize the
woman's life or the baby has serious brain
damage.
51
STARTLING STATISTICS Number of Reported
Abortions Performed in the U.S. from
1972-1995 1972 586,760 1976 988,267
1980 1,297,606 1985 1,328,570 1990
1,429,577 1991 1,388,937 1992 1,359,145
1993 1,330,414 1994 1,267,415 1995
1,210,883 Number of abortions performed by
weeks of gestation in 1995 in 35 states 8
weeks 340,109 9-10 weeks
142,893 11-12 weeks 67,392 13-15 weeks
38,634 16-20 weeks 27,411 21 weeks
8,862 Total 625,301
52

• World Abortion Statistics
• 54 countries allow abortion, which is about 61
  percent of the world population.  97 countries,
  about 39 percent of the population, have abortion
  laws that make it illegal according to the
  pro-abortion Center for Reproductive Law and
  Policy in New York.
• The Alan Guttmacher Institute reports
  approximately 22 million legal abortions were
  reported in 1987.
• It is estimated that between four and nine
  million were not reported, totaling of 26-31
  million legal abortions in 1987 alone.
• There were a total of 10-22 million
  "clandestine secret abortions, bringing the
  total worldwide figure to 36 and 53 million
  abortions.
• France Legalized Peru -
  IllegalBritain Legalized
  Brazil - IllegalSwitzerland Legalized
  Australia - LegalizedDenmark legalized
  China -LegalizedHungary Legalized
  United States - Legalized Romania
  Legalized Russia - LegalizedPoland
  Illegal Italy -
  LegalizedColombia Illegal
  Mexico - Illegal

53
Questions Was the U.S. Supreme Court right?
Does an embryo and/or a fetus not constitute a
human life?
54
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
55
Fetal DevelopmentFrom Conception to Birth
56
Week 3 At this point, the blastocyst, or
developing embryo, is looking for a spot to
implant in the uterus. The foundation of the
central nervous system, backbone, and spinal
column has been established by 19 days. The
gastrointestinal system has also begun to develop
with the kidneys, liver, and intestines forming.
The babys eyes begin to form at 19 days. The
heart has begun to form and has begun to beat by
day twenty-one
57
Week 4
58
Week 7 Major organs have all begun to form. The
embryo has developed its own blood type, unique
from the mother's. Hair follicles and nipples
form and knees and elbows are visible. Facial
features are also observable. The eyes have a
retina and lens. The major muscle system is
developed and the embryo is able to move.
59
Week 8 The embryo is reactive to its environment
inside the amniotic sac where it swims and moves.
Hands and feet can be seen. At the end of week 8,
the embryonic period is over and the fetal stage
begins. After week 8, no further original organs
will formeverything that is already present will
be found in the full-term baby. From this point
until adulthood, when full growth is achieved
somewhere between 25 and 27 years, the changes in
the body will be mainly in dimension.
60
Week 8
61
The Second Trimester
Weeks 13-16 The brain is fully developed and the
fetus can suck, swallow, and make irregular
breathing sounds. Fetus can feel pain (New
England Journal of Medicine). Fetal skin is
almost transparent. Muscles tissue is lengthening
and bones are becoming harder. Liver and organs
produce appropriate fluids. Eyebrows and
eyelashes appear and the fetus makes active
movements including kicks and even somersaults.
16 weeks
62
16 weeks
63
16 weeks
64
17 weeks
65
19 weeks
66
Week 20
67
Birth36 weeks
68
Definitions Life- (1) the quality that
distinguishes a vital and functional being from a
dead body. (2) an organismic state characterized
by capacity potential for metabolism, growth,
reaction to stimuli, and reproduction. (3) the
sequence of physical and mental experiences that
make up the existence of an individual. Death-
the irreversible cessation of all vital functions
especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of
the heart, respiration, and brain activity the
end of life
69
Questions Does God consider abortion to be
right or wrong? What does the Bible say that
relates to the issue of abortion?
70
Nowhere in the Bible does it say "Thou shalt not
abort your children." Yet, neither will you
find specific words forbidding suicide,
infanticide (killing newborn children), or
same-sex marriages. Yet, the Bible clearly
teaches us that these things are wrong.
71
A. The Bible condemns the shedding of innocent
life Few people would argue this point. The
Bible clearly prohibits taking the life of an
innocent person. It follows that if the
developing baby is a "qualified" member of the
human race, all of these scriptures
apply Genesis 96 - Whoever sheds mans blood,
by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image
of God He made man. Exodus 2013 - You shall not
murder. Deuteronomy 2725a - Cursed is he who
accepts a bribe to strike down an innocent
person. Proverbs 616-19 - There are six things
which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an
abomination to Him haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood... See also
Exodus 237 and Deuteronomy 1911-12
72
B. A child is a "person" whether born or
unborn The Bible consistently uses the same
word for a "born" or "unborn" baby. This is
because the divine Author of the Bible did not
recognize a material difference between the two.
In Scripture, there is not some special event
when a "human being" becomes a "person". Rather,
he or she is a person from the beginning who goes
through growth and development both inside and
outside of the womb.
73
In the New Testament the Greek word "brephos" is
used to describe the unborn, newborns, and youth.
In Luke 144, the word is used to mean unborn
baby "For behold, when the sound of your
greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my
womb for joy." Then, in Luke 212, it means a
newborn "So they came in a hurry and found their
way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in
the manger." And in Luke 1815, "brephos" refers
to a young child "And they were bringing even
their babies to Him so that He would touch them,
but when the disciples saw it, they began
rebuking them."
74
In the Old Testament the Hebrew word "yeled" is
used in the same way. In Exodus 2122 it means an
unborn child, "If men struggle with each other
and strike a woman with child so that she gives
birth prematurely...". And yet, in other Old
Testament usages, it means "youth" or even a
teenager. As late as the 16th century in our
own culture, "child" was the word used for both
the born and unborn baby. Late in the game, we
have developed a new word, "fetus", to describe a
developing baby (even this word is defined in
some dictionaries as an "unborn human being").
Today, we often reserve the word "child" for a
person already born.
75

• God established laws that had those who took the
  life of an unborn child killed
• Exodus 21 22-25
• (King James Version)
• 22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so
  that her fruit depart from her, and yet no
  mischief follow he shall be surely punished,
  according as the woman's husband will lay upon
  him and he shall pay as the judges determine.
   
• 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt
  give life for life,  
• 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand,
  foot for foot,  
• 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe
  for stripe.  
• (New King James)
• 22 " If men fight, and hurt a woman with child,
  so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm
  follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly
  as the woman's husband imposes on him and he
  shall pay as the judges determine.  
• 23 "But if any harm follows, then you shall
  give life for life,  
• 24 "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand,
  foot for foot,  
• 25 "burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for
  stripe.  

76
Exodus 21 22-25 (American Standard Version) 22
And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with
child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no harm
follow he shall be surely fined, according as
the woman's husband shall lay upon him and he
shall pay as the judges determine.   23 But if
any harm follow, then thou shalt give life for
life,   24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand
for hand, foot for foot,   25 burning for
burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
(New Amercian Standard Version) 22 "If men
struggle with each other and strike a woman with
child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet
there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as
the woman's husband may demand of him, and he
shall pay as the judges decide.   23 "But if
there is any further injury, then you shall
appoint as a penalty life for life,   24 eye for
eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for
foot,   25 burn for burn, wound for wound,
bruise for bruise.
77
2 Kings 812 And Hazael said, "Why is my lord
weeping?" He answered, "Because I know the evil
that you will do to the children of Israel Their
strongholds you will set on fire, and their young
men you will kill with the sword and you will
dash their children, and rip open their women
with child. Amos 113 Thus says the LORD "For
three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and
for four, I will not turn away its punishment,
Because they ripped open the women with child in
Gilead, That they might enlarge their territory.
 
78
D. According to the Bible, God knew you before
you were born Psalm 13913-16. For You formed
my inward parts You wove me in my mothers womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made wonderful are Your works, and
my soul knows it very well. My frame was not
hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and
skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance and in
Your book were all written the days that were
ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of
them. Luke 115 For he will be great in the
sight of the Lord and he will drink no wine or
liquor, and he John the Baptist will be filled
with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mothers
womb. Jeremiah. 15 Before I formed you
Jeremiah in the womb I knew you, and before you
were born I consecrated you.  
79
Week 7
80
16 weeks
81
(No Transcript)
82
Week 20
83
Birth36 weeks
84
E. Early church leaders recognized the Bibles
prohibition of abortion One of the reasons that
the Bible does not contain specific references to
abortion is the prohibition was completely
covered in "Thou shall not murder." Israelites
well understood this to mean killing by sword, by
strangulation, by poison, by abortion, and by all
other means. Later, as the church began to spread
to the Gentile cultures that did not share the
Israelite traditions, specific prohibitions were
written. Church leaders and others consistently
forbade the practice of abortion based upon their
understanding of the Bible. Below are
examples "Thou shalt not slay the child by
procuring abortion nor, again, shalt thou
destroy it after it is born" (Letter of Barnabas
19 from 74 AD). "And these were the accursed
who conceived and caused abortion" (The
Apocalypse of Peter 25, 137 AD). "You shall not
procure abortion, nor destroy a newborn child"
(Didache 21 from 150 AD).
85
"There are some women among you who by drinking
special potions extinguish the life of the future
human in their very bowels, thus committing
murder before they even give birth." (Mark Felix,
Christian Lawyer, Octavius chap. 30 from 170 AD).
"The law of Moses, indeed, punishes with due
penalties the man who shall cause abortion (see
Ex. 2122) Tertullian, 210 AD. "Now we allow
that life begins with conception because we
contend that the soul also begins from
conception life taking its commencement at the
same moment and place that the soul does"
(Tertullian, Apology 27 from 210 AD). "Women
also who administer drugs to cause abortion, as
well as those who take poisons to destroy unborn
children, are murderesses." (First Canonical
Letter from 374 AD). "The law, moreover enjoins
us to bring up all our offspring, and forbids
women to cause abortion of what is begotten, or
to destroy it afterward and if any woman appears
to have so done, she will be a murderer of her
child, by destroying a living creature, and
diminishing humankind." (The Works of Josephus,
Flavius Josephus Against Apion, Book II, 25).
86
How should Christians respond? We need to
realize that it is one thing when godless,
secular people try to dehumanize the unborn to
support their view of abortion on demand. It is
quite another matter when these same people
attempt to distort scripture and church history
to fit their agenda. There is not a legitimate
"pro-choice" position that can be derived from
the Bible. To support this position, it would be
necessary to use text out of context, ignore the
Bibles attitude toward the young and innocent,
and be ignorant of the history of the early
church. God calls each of us to defend the
innocent. Christians should elect leaders who
share the Biblical view of abortion and support
groups working to make abortion unacceptable in
our country. Every Christian should know the
facts and be ready to defend what the Bible
really does say about abortion. And we should
pray that God will change the hearts of those
promoting the genocide of our nation.