Breath of Life: A Biblical Defense of Women's Right to Choose
Breath of Life: A Biblical Defense of Women's Right to Choose
Church of Deets
Breath of Life:
A Biblical Defense of Women's Right to Choose
Today, we delve into a topic that has divided communities, raised moral questions, and fueled political discourse: the right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term or not. We will explore this issue through a Biblical lens, seeking to understand when life begins and how a woman’s decision to terminate her pregnancy aligns with Scripture and God's plan for human dignity and agency.
Before we proceed, let us be clear that this conversation requires grace, empathy, and an open heart to truly understand the complexity of life, death, and choice. There is no simple answer to the question of life, but in our exploration of Scripture, we can find guidance that affirms the rights of women as moral agents endowed with free will, compassion, and responsibility.
The Question of When Life Begins
One of the key debates surrounding the issue of abortion revolves around the question: When does life begin? Is it at conception, as some claim, or is it at birth, as others argue? While some interpretations of Scripture claim that life begins at conception, the Bible is far from clear on this matter. In fact, a careful reading of the text shows that life, according to Scripture, begins not at conception, but at birth, when breath enters the body.
In Genesis 2:7, God creates Adam from the dust of the ground, but Adam is not considered a living being until God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.” The defining moment of life, according to this passage, is when God imparts the breath of life, not when Adam is formed. It is breath—ruach, the Hebrew word for “spirit” or “breath”—that is synonymous with life itself.
This scriptural emphasis on breath being the signifier of life is further echoed in the legal traditions of ancient Israel. For example, Exodus 21:22-25 describes a situation where a pregnant woman is injured and loses her child. The penalty for this loss is not equivalent to murder but is instead a financial fine, indicating that the fetus does not have the same legal status as a fully born human being. This suggests that in the biblical worldview, the life of a person begins after birth, not before.
The Role of Women as Moral Agents
Throughout Scripture, women are presented as moral agents, responsible for their own decisions and held accountable by God for their actions. The Bible portrays women as having autonomy and wisdom, often making difficult decisions that affect their bodies, their families, and their communities. We see this in the stories of women like Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Deborah, who all made decisions that changed the course of history.
Ruth, for example, made the bold decision to leave her home and follow Naomi to a foreign land, exercising her right to determine her own future. Esther risked her life to save her people, using her position as queen to act with wisdom and courage. Mary, the mother of Jesus, made the decision to carry a child under miraculous circumstances, but it is important to note that her consent was sought. The angel Gabriel did not impose God’s will upon her but instead invited her to participate in God’s plan. She had the freedom to say yes or no.
These examples remind us that God has consistently given women the freedom to choose their own path, even in matters of life and death. This autonomy extends to decisions about one’s body and health, including the decision of whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term.
Bodily Autonomy and the Image of God
In Genesis 1:27, we are told that “God created humankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” This verse is central to our understanding of human dignity. Both men and women are made in the image of God, and as such, they possess inherent worth, value, and autonomy.
Bodily autonomy, or the right to make decisions about one’s own body, is a core aspect of being made in the image of God. If we are truly made in God’s image, then we must honor the freedom that comes with that identity—the freedom to make decisions about our lives, our bodies, and our futures. Just as God gives us free will to choose our actions, He also gives us the responsibility to make decisions about our health and well-being.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a deeply personal one, and it is one that should be made by the woman in consultation with her faith, her conscience, her doctor, and her God. Forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy against her will is a violation of her bodily autonomy, her freedom, and her dignity as a person made in the image of God.
The Biblical Concept of Life and Choice
The Bible is clear that God is the ultimate giver of life, but it also recognizes the complexity of life and the difficult decisions that people must make. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” This verse is often cited by those who oppose abortion, but it is important to note that the context of this passage is about choosing a life of righteousness and faithfulness to God’s covenant, not about the biological beginnings of life.
Choosing life, in the biblical sense, means choosing a path that leads to flourishing, justice, and love. For some women, continuing a pregnancy may lead to flourishing, but for others, it may not. The choice to terminate a pregnancy can be a moral and compassionate decision, especially in cases where carrying the pregnancy to term would lead to suffering, hardship, or even death for the woman or the child.
God calls us to choose life, but life is not simply about biological existence. It is about the quality of life, the conditions under which life is lived, and the ability to thrive and fulfill God’s purpose. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Fullness of life is about more than mere survival; it is about flourishing in body, mind, and spirit.
Compassion for Women in Difficult Circumstances
Jesus consistently modeled compassion for those in difficult and marginalized situations, including women. In John 8, when a woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, Jesus did not condemn her, even though the law of Moses called for her to be stoned. Instead, He showed her mercy, telling her accusers, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Jesus demonstrated that mercy and compassion are at the heart of God’s response to human frailty and moral complexity.
In the same way, we must approach the issue of abortion with compassion, understanding that women who choose to terminate a pregnancy do so for many complex reasons. It is not our place to condemn or judge them, but rather to offer support, love, and understanding.
The Church should be a place of refuge for women facing difficult decisions, not a place of shame or condemnation. We should walk alongside women in their struggles, offering them the resources and care they need to make informed and compassionate decisions about their health and well-being. This includes providing access to reproductive healthcare, counseling, and support systems that respect their autonomy and dignity.
The Biblical Precedent for Reproductive Freedom
The Bible offers several examples of God’s concern for women’s reproductive freedom. In Numbers 5:11-31, there is a ritual described for a woman accused of adultery. While the passage is troubling in many ways, it is notable that it involves the woman drinking a potion that could cause a miscarriage if she is guilty. While this is not a direct endorsement of abortion, it does suggest that the ancient Israelites did not consider the termination of a pregnancy to be murder or a violation of God’s law.
Moreover, in Hosea 9:14, the prophet Hosea, speaking on behalf of God, says, “Give them, O Lord—what will you give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that are dry.” Here, God is directly associated with miscarriage, showing that the Bible does not view every pregnancy as a divine mandate that must be carried to term. The idea that every conception is a command from God to give birth is not supported by Scripture.
The Call to Justice and Dignity
Micah 6:8 tells us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Justice and mercy are central to God’s will for humanity, and this applies to the way we treat women and their reproductive rights.
Acting justly means recognizing that women are full human beings with the right to make decisions about their bodies. Loving mercy means offering compassion and understanding to those facing difficult choices, rather than condemning them or stripping them of their autonomy. Walking humbly with God means acknowledging that we do not have all the answers, and that we must trust women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
The Church’s role should be to advocate for a world where women are empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. This includes advocating for access to safe and legal abortion, as well as comprehensive reproductive healthcare. It also means supporting women who choose to carry their pregnancies to term by providing them with the resources they need to thrive, such as affordable healthcare, childcare, and paid family leave.
A Sacred Right to Choose
Scripture provides us with a framework for understanding that life begins with breath, that women are moral agents with the right to make decisions about their bodies, and that the Church is called to respond with compassion, justice, and mercy. Terminating a pregnancy is a difficult and deeply personal decision, but it is one that women have the right to make with the guidance of their conscience, their faith, their doctor, and their God.
The notion that life begins at birth, when breath enters the body, aligns with the Biblical tradition that emphasizes the sacredness of human dignity and free will. The stories of the women in Scripture—who made their own choices, took charge of their futures, and participated fully in God’s plan—reinforce the importance of honoring women’s agency. God, in His wisdom, gave us the ability to make moral decisions, to discern what is best for our lives.
Trusting Women and God’s Wisdom
It is not our place to impose judgment on women who decide to terminate their pregnancies. Rather, it is our duty as followers of Christ to trust that women, made in the image of God, are capable of making ethical and responsible choices. God’s gift of free will and discernment extends to all aspects of life, including the difficult decision of whether to bring a child into the world.
When we deny women the right to choose, we deny them the dignity that God has bestowed upon them. We undermine their ability to participate in the sacred and complex process of creation and life. Every woman who faces this decision must be free to consider her own circumstances—whether it be health concerns, financial stability, personal readiness, or the well-being of her family. These factors are not only valid but deeply relevant to what it means to "choose life," in the full sense of living abundantly and wisely in accordance with God's will.
Jesus' Compassion for the Vulnerable
One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was His deep compassion for those marginalized by society. He reached out to the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the oppressed. In the case of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus chose not to condemn her but rather to lift her out of her vulnerable situation with grace and mercy.
We see Jesus consistently siding with those who have been judged and ostracized. When women today find themselves facing difficult reproductive choices, often under great emotional, physical, and financial strain, we must embody the compassion of Christ. Instead of casting stones of judgment, we must offer open arms, understanding that these decisions are deeply personal and often painful.
Jesus’ teaching, exemplified in Matthew 7:1-2—“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”—warns us against self-righteousness and premature condemnation. Instead, we should extend grace and allow space for women to exercise their God-given wisdom and autonomy.
A Call to Holistic Support
If we, as the Church, truly wish to support life, we must expand our definition of what that support entails. Supporting life must go beyond the simplistic mandate of preventing abortions. It must include a commitment to supporting women, children, and families in every aspect of their lives. It must involve fighting for policies and systems that uplift and protect the most vulnerable members of society—through healthcare, economic security, childcare, and justice.
A woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy is not an isolated act. It is made within the broader context of her life, her family, and her community. Therefore, our commitment to “choose life” must also address the systemic issues that make it difficult for women to carry pregnancies to term or to raise children in safety and stability. This includes advocating for affordable healthcare, maternity leave, childcare support, and protection from domestic violence. It also means standing against poverty, which disproportionately affects women and children and plays a significant role in decisions about abortion.
Upholding Human Dignity in Every Situation
As the people of God, we are called to be defenders of human dignity. This means advocating for the full humanity of women and ensuring they have the resources and freedom to make choices that align with their health, well-being, and calling. When we trust women to make decisions about their bodies, we are affirming their full personhood and respecting the sacredness of their lives.
Moreover, we recognize that life is sacred not just because it exists but because of the quality and dignity of that life. Bringing a child into the world is a profound responsibility, and it is not one to be forced upon anyone. God calls us to live abundantly and in harmony with His will, and that includes ensuring that every child born is wanted, loved, and cared for.
The Role of the Church in the Modern World
As the Church, we are tasked with reflecting the love of Christ to the world, not through coercion or force but through compassion, justice, and mercy. The debate surrounding abortion is often steeped in political and ideological rhetoric, but as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above such noise and instead focus on the heart of the matter: the dignity and freedom of women, the sanctity of human life in its fullest sense, and our obligation to care for one another in love.
Our response to the question of reproductive rights should not be to wield Scripture as a weapon but to use it as a guide toward greater love and understanding. We should be champions for the well-being of women, advocates for policies that promote life in all its fullness, and voices of compassion in a world that too often deals in judgment.
Conclusion: A Gospel of Freedom, Choice, and Compassion
In conclusion, the Bible provides us with a rich and nuanced understanding of life, choice, and human dignity. It teaches us that life begins when God breathes into us the breath of life, and that women, made in the image of God, have the right to make decisions about their bodies and their futures. The choice to terminate a pregnancy, while difficult and complex, is a decision that can align with the Biblical principles of justice, mercy, and compassion.
We are called to trust women as moral agents, to honor their dignity and autonomy, and to provide them with the support they need to make informed and compassionate decisions. We are called to create a world where every person—born and unborn—can flourish and live in the fullness of life that Jesus came to give.
May we, as the Church, be a community that supports life in its truest sense—by advocating for the rights and dignity of women, by offering compassion to those in difficult situations, and by working for justice and mercy in all aspects of life.
Amen.
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