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I have questions about Exodus, Chapter 21, Verses 22-25. Did the Fathers comment on this passage, where it mentions if a pregnant women giving birth prematurely because of someone else and the baby is harmed, and the same thing that is done to the baby is to be done to the man, even life for life, does this show that in God's eyes the life of an unborn baby is equal to a full-grown man?  It seems to be yet another scriptural reference against abortion. Also, the English translations differ somewhat on this passage. What are we to make of it?

Yes, of course! Verse 23 clearly spells out that the life of an unborn child has the same value as any other living human being. "But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life" (Exodux 21:23). The Church is adamant against abortion as it is believed to be an act of murder. Unfortunately, sometimes, prolife advocates become overzealous and resort to violence themselves in their efforts to close abortion clinics or harm physicians performing these procedures. This is not the Christian method of advocacy. Christians do not apply the "eye for an eye, tooth for tooth," etc., passages of the Old Testament, because we have a higher calling to imitate Christ Jesus our Lord. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we must teach and enlighten those who believe their "choice" is merely a legal right and neglect the fact that the unborn child, in any gestational phase, is indeed a life, and also has rights. Nevertheless, we, too, must obey the law of the land. Our objection is a spiritual one, not just a legal one. Thus, we must express our steadfast stance in a spiritual manner with knowledge and conviction of the Holy Scripture, offer avenues of support to women contemplating the abortion of a fetus, and perform our duty to speak out against all injustices. 

"Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" (Psalm 139:16).
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