# What do religious texts, other than the Bible, have to say about abortion? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 14, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656 "2026-02-14T02:42:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/1 "2026-02-14T02:42:58Z")
What the Bible has to say on the subject has been, is and will be covered in other threads, but what do other religious texts have to say on the subject of abortion? ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/2 "2026-02-14T03:21:58Z")
The go-to website on comparative religion used to be [religioustolerance.org](http://religioustolerance.org), before it went 404. Wayback shows lists the views of various _Christian_ denominations [here](https://web.archive.org/web/20220922062138/http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_hist1.htm), but that’s not what is being investigated here. I recall an entry for Islam and Buddhism, but I could not locate it. Buddhism’s wiki entry shows no references to texts, but rather varying interpretations of Buddhist doctrine: wiki: [Buddhism and abortion - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_abortion) The Koran does not address abortion explicitly, though all 4 Islamic schools of thought have reservations on the procedure: [Islam and abortion - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_abortion) Bahai writings, which are much more recent, tend to prohibit abortion, though there are qualifications for medical grounds: [Abortion | Bahá’í Quotes](https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/abortion) Hinduism texts tend to condemn abortion: [Hinduism and abortion - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion) > Abortion in [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism), while generally considered reprehensible by traditional Hindu scriptures and the guiding [precept of non-injury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa), can be interpreted equivocally within the vast spectrum of Hindu beliefs and texts and ultimately depends on individual context.[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-BBC-1) The [Mahanarayana Upanishad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahanarayana_Upanishad) lists abortion with actions such as breaking one’s vow of [chastity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chastity).[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-Stephens,_Moira_2010-2) Some Hindu scriptures assert that “abortion is a worse sin than killing one’s parents” and another text says that “a woman who aborts her child will lose her status”.[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-BBC-1) In general, Hinduism teaches the guiding principle of [Ahimsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa), abstention from causing harm or injury to all living beings, which serves as the root of the ethic of non-violence.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-Stephens,_Moira_2010-2) However, in the modern context, individual decision-making may be guided by this precept of least harm as it relates to fetus, parents, and society. > Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana, as well as scholars disagree about what the principles of Ahimsa dictate when one is faced with situations that require self-defense or self-study.[[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-3)[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-:3-4) The precept of “non-injury” or [ahimsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa) has evolved in its meaning throughout the history of Hindu ideology and literature. For example, some Hindu texts, such as the _[Rigveda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigveda)_ or later the [Sushruta Samhita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushruta_Samhita)_,_ allow meat consumption[[5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-:4-5)[[6]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-6) while late Vedic texts condemn all killing.[[5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_abortion#cite_note-:4-5) Sikhism tends to dislike abortion, though apparently there are no Sikh scriptures which explicitly address the subject. [Where Does Hinduism, Islam & Sikhism Stand In The Abortion Issue?](https://www.anokhilife.com/culture-and-lifestyle-where-does-hinduism-sikhism-islam-stand-in-the-abortion-issue/) ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/3 "2026-02-14T03:45:22Z")
The Talmud says an unborn child is not a life until the mother goes into labor and that it may be aborted to protect the mother. > **[A Fetus Is Not an Independent Life: Abortion in the Talmud - TheTorah.com](https://www.thetorah.com/article/a-fetus-is-not-an-independent-life-abortion-in-the-talmud)** > > The rabbis distinguish four stages in the fetus’ development towards personhood. For the duration of the pregnancy, until the commencement of active labor “a fetus is like its mother’s thigh” (עוּבָּר יֶרֶךְ אִמוֹ). | Dr. Ronit Irshai ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/4 "2026-02-14T05:23:32Z")
But Judaism also says that you have an obligation to be fruitful and multiply, and abortion that’s not needed to protect the health of the mother is wrong. Not murder, but wrong. I’ve seen scholarly references about how Islamic countries and abortion was allowed early in the pregnancy, probably until quickening. One historical anecdote was about a sailor transporting a slave woman he owned. He had sex with her (which, like sex within marriage, was considered legitimate) but she got pregnant. If she bore his child, he was not allowed to sell her, effectively she became his wife. And he didn’t want to lose the money, so he wanted her to have an abortion. And that would have been legal, but they were away at sea too long, and by the time he got her to a doctor it was too late for a legal abortion. This was apparently normal in much of the Islamic empire. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/5 "2026-02-14T05:29:38Z")
What happened to them after that? Did they get married, and what happened to the child? ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/6 "2026-02-14T06:04:47Z")
I love the question, but what is the debate? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/7 "2026-02-14T06:12:10Z")
I thought there might be debate about what other religious texts have to say on the subject, the same way there is debate about how the Bible is interpreted when it comes to abortion. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/8 "2026-02-14T06:44:17Z")
**Moderating:** As no debate framed, off to #In My Humble Opinion with this one. Better place for questions. ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/9 "2026-02-14T09:02:49Z")
I would guess that most religious texts would be against abortion, Unless, it’s your mistress. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/10 "2026-02-14T09:06:28Z")
Against it as a minor sin, a major sin, or flat out murder? ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/11 "2026-02-14T09:08:08Z")
An inconvenience to be resolved. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/12 "2026-02-14T09:21:13Z")
Which religious text are you referring to? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/13 "2026-02-14T12:36:32Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > What happened to them after that? Did they get married, and what happened to the child? She gave birth to a child, and he wasn’t allowed to sell the slave, and the book moved on to other things. ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/14 "2026-02-15T09:22:09Z")
You’re seeking my '“guess”? ---
**Author:** ![eburacum45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eburacum45/32/8690_2.png) [@eburacum45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eburacum45)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/15 "2026-02-15T09:45:11Z")
The Hippocratic Oath includes a segment that is sometimes interpreted as being against abortion, but there is some uncertainty about its original meaning. [https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00068-1/fulltext](https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00068-1/fulltext) ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/16 "2026-02-15T12:54:45Z")
Pagan society, where Christianity spread to at least during Paul’s ministry, seemed OK with exposure, not sure about actual abortion. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > But Judaism also says that you have an obligation to be fruitful and multiply, and abortion that’s not needed to protect the health of the mother is wrong. Not murder, but wrong. I have heard that described as ‘interfering with God’s creative ability’, and it is a sin but not in the harming another sense but also there are circumstances that allow, and some that actually may demand abortion, as a good deed one must do, with the sin being not to do it. These generally rest in self preservation, and protecting the life of the mother is primary and can be defended - which is how abortion is viewed here, heath and mental health are varying degrees of acceptance/non-acceptance, also the fetus is part of the mother at this stage, not the baby who is not yet ‘in the world’, though if delivery happens during an abortive procedure, that is a baby and falls under the protection of the law (murder applies), however if a act done to the fetus results in the death of the born baby that act was not done to the child, thus not murder. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/17 "2026-02-15T13:09:56Z")
Hmm, i haven’t heard it described that way, but I’m Reform. We are taught that one of the purposes of mankind is to help God complete the act of creation. So i have thought of that not as “interfering with God’s creative power” but as rejecting your own creative role. And yes, Jewish law absolutely requires abortion when it is necessary to protect the life of the mother. Saving a life is an extremely important command, for which you can break almost every other commandment. An Orthodox surgeon can drive to the hospital on the Sabbath of he’s needed to save a life. (But he can’t drive back home. In the case of a person i know of who sometimes did this, he’d walk home, and on Sunday, his wife would drive him back to pick up the car.) And the mother is, under Jewish law, a person and the fetus isn’t, until it draws its first breath. So the requirement to favor the mother is absolute. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/18 "2026-02-15T13:53:20Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > We are taught that one of the purposes of mankind is to help God complete the act of creation. … but as rejecting your own creative role. You stated it here closer to how I heard it originally, so I agree with this definition. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/19 "2026-02-15T16:54:14Z")
> [@Dereknocue67](#): > > You’re seeking my '“guess”? I am seeking whatever specific knowledge you have on the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656/20 "2026-02-15T19:06:57Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Judaism also says that you have an obligation to be fruitful and multiply IIRC, the Talmud requires that a couple produce at a minimum one son and one daughter. The obligation to continue producing offspring remains, but the couple may voluntarily refrain (or at least allow a year or two between babies) for the sake of their physical health, mental health, and/or finances. (Which, among Haredi Jews at least, usually requires the rabbi’s approval.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-religious-texts-other-than-the-bible-have-to-say-about-abortion/1027656.md?page=2)