The classical Hippocratic oath (c 4^th century B.C.E.) stated:  “I will use those dietary regimens which will benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgment, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.  I will not give a lethal drug to anyone …; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.” ¹ 

            Abortion in our present world has become one of the most common surgical procedures ever done.  Abortion procedures are explained in brief videos produced by Live Action. (See screenshot above from abortion pill video at abortionprocedures.com.) Approximately 42 million abortions per year worldwide make it the world’s leading cause of death.(3) While it is demanded as “health care” it does not cure any disease or repair any damage, but rather almost always kills a healthy child within the womb of a healthy mother.   See separate information sheet: “Abortion Statistics.” 

Why do women choose to abort their children?  Single women (a large majority of those aborting) may want to conceal their sexual activity or be unready to be a single parent. Poverty is another strong influence, along with a variety of other social reasons.

            In many cases, it is NOT the mother’s choice to abort, but she is coerced or forced into the abortion by her parents or a male partner who is unwilling to share in the consequences of the pregnancy.  Rape, incest, or serious danger to the mother’s health account for only a very small percentage of abortions.  See the separate information sheet “Why Women Have Abortions.” 

            See the topic “After Abortion” to read about how women – and others – suffer after abortion. 

The Christian View:  Every child, no matter what the circumstances of his or her conception, is created by God in His image.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” Jeremiah 1:5.  “Thou shalt not kill” applies to the preborn as well as those who have been born.