God makes it clear that these tiny packages of humanity are fully human. “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.’” (Jer. 1:4-5)

God knew Jeremiah when he was in his mother’s belly; God sanctified him and ordained him to be a prophet. If by an abortion, the baby should have been killed, it would have been Jeremiah who was killed. Jeremiah’s mother would not have known his name, but God had already named him. His mother would not have known he was potentially a mighty prophet of God, but God had so planned it, and would have felt the loss.

The Bible tells us that John the Baptist was: “filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:15 ) God sent His angel to Zacharias to tell him that his wife would bear a son, and even told him what his name was to be. He was told that “. . .many will rejoice at his birth—for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” (Luke 1:11-17 )

It seems like God knew John quite well and that He had a distinct purpose for his life on earth… a purpose for him and him alone to fulfill.

Last but certainly not least, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary,

 “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High… and His Kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:31-33)

And so you see, God doesn’t wait until a baby moves or becomes completely ready for life outside his mother, before He knows him, loves him, and recognizes him as a tiny human being… so why should we?

• by Melody Green, Children…Things We Throw Away
• another article by Melody: The Questions Most People Ask About Abortion