Protecting the Unborn

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Today's devotional will be on protecting the unborn. The Bible is pretty clear-cut and self-explanatory on this topic.

Date​	June 1, 2024 | Protecting the Unborn​
Verse​	Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV): "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Exodus 20:13 (NIV): "You shall not murder."​
Explanation​	These three passages from the Bible highlight different aspects of the value and sanctity of human life, particularly in relation to the unborn. Psalm 139:13-16 emphasizes God's intricate and intentional creation of every human being, even before birth. The passage expresses the wonder and awe of being made in God's image and knit together in the womb. This understanding of human life as a creation of God underscores the belief that every life is precious and deserving of protection. Jeremiah 1:5 reveals God's intimate knowledge and plan for each person's life before they are born. God sets apart Jeremiah as a prophet, demonstrating God's sovereignty and intention for every individual. This passage further emphasizes the significance of unborn life and the importance of protecting it. Exodus 20:13, one of the Ten Commandments, forbids taking an innocent life. This includes the unborn, as they are also considered human beings deserving of protection.​
Societal Relevance​	These passages call Christians to recognize and protect the inherent value and dignity of human life, especially the unborn. In the modern world, politicians and media discuss abortion as being a good thing, such as when a woman may not have the resources to bear a child, or if the child has a chance of a degenerative disease. However, the Bible states that all lives are sacred to God, and there are more ethical alternatives to abortion, such as adoption or Christian counseling. While it is important to protect the unborn, it is also crucial to consider the well-being of the mother. In cases of life-threatening complications for both mother and fetus such as an ectopic pregnancy (where the fetus forms inside of a Fallopian tube instead of implanting on the uterus wall), it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of both individuals. This can be achieved through advance medical care, ethical treatment, and compassionate support. ​ Artificial womb technologies, such as the development of external wombs (article link), could potentially save lives in the future by providing a viable alternative for babies with severe medical conditions, allowing the fetus to develop outside the womb while receiving necessary medical care and nutrients. However, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of these technologies and ensure that they align with the Christian values of protecting the sanctity of human life and preserving the dignity of both the mother and the unborn child.