Does the Bible Support Abortion? A Christian Claim to Rep. James Talarico’s Claim

Jesus Christ being surrounded by children

“So this idea that to be a Christian means you have to be anti-gay and anti-abortion… There really is no historical, theological, or biblical basis for that opinion.”

— Rep. James Talarico, Texas House Democrat and pastor, on The Joe Rogan Experience

When a pastor and public servant makes such a bold theological statement on one of the world’s largest podcasts, it demands a biblical response. As Christians we must stand against these kinds of false teachings and truly teach what is true about what the Bible teaches. So let’s break down Rep. Talarico’s claim and examine whether Scripture supports or contradicts it.

1. What Does the Bible Say About Life in the Womb?

While the Bible may not use the modern medical term “abortion,” its view of life in the womb is obvious :

• Psalm 139:13–16: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb… Your eyes saw my unformed substance.”

• This poetic affirmation from David clearly describes God’s intimate involvement in the creation of human life before birth.

• Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

• God’s knowledge and calling of Jeremiah before birth points to personhood from conception.

• Luke 1:41–44: When Mary greets Elizabeth, “the baby leaped in her womb.”

• The unborn John the Baptist is called a baby (Greek: brephos, the same word used for infants).

Scripture doesn’t describe unborn children as “potential persons,” but as persons known by God.

2. What About Church History?

From the earliest centuries, the Christian church stood firmly against abortion:

• The Didache (c. AD 100): One of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament says, “Do not murder a child by abortion or kill a newborn infant.”

• Church Fathers like Tertullian, Augustine, and Basil the Great all condemned abortion as contrary to Christian ethics.

• The early church ministered in a Roman world where abortion and infanticide were common—and Christians stood out because they cared for the unborn and unwanted.

Rep. Talarico claims there is “no historical basis” for Christian opposition to abortion, yet church history tells a different story.

3. Why This Matters for Today

The pro-life position isn’t rooted in politics—it’s rooted in the imago Dei, the belief that every human life is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Abortion is not simply a “personal choice”; it ends the life of a child created by God.

As Christians, we must be guided not by cultural winds or political alliances, but by God’s Word. And that Word testifies to the sanctity of life from womb to tomb.

4. A Word of Grace and Hope

This blog post is not meant to condemn those who’ve had abortions or struggled with this topic. The gospel offers grace, healing, and forgiveness. The cross is big enough for every sin—and the church should be a place of both truth and mercy.

But to suggest that the Bible supports abortion, or that Christians have no biblical basis to oppose it, is a dangerous and misleading claim.

Final Thoughts:

Faithful Christians can and should speak the truth in love. Rep. Talarico’s pastoral credentials do not override the authority of Scripture. We don’t follow pastors, politicians, or podcast guests—we follow Jesus, who welcomed children, valued the vulnerable, and taught us to defend the least of these.

Let’s keep speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

“Rescue those being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” — Proverbs 24:11