Does the Bible talk about miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the death of a child before he or she is born. The mother's womb is designed to be a place of warmth and safety. The fallen world, including several thousand years of sin-induced genetic issues, can cause chromosomal errors in the egg or sperm. If the defects are too great, the fetus often spontaneously miscarries. Problems with the mother's reproductive system can also cause issues with carrying a baby to term. Most miscarriages are not caused by anything the mother did or could have prevented.

Ultimately, miscarriage is the death of a person. Psalm 139:13-16 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." However the fallenness of the world interferes, God still sees a person, made in His image (Genesis 1:27), living to his God-ordained potential within his mother's womb.

Since God sees each miscarried child as a child, we should too. It is entirely appropriate to name the child, acknowledge his individuality, and mourn his loss. Whether the baby was planned or not, wanted or not, miscarriage is still the death of a child—a loss to which our heavenly Father can relate (John 3:16).

The separation from a lost child doesn't have to be permanent. After David and Bathsheba's infant died in 2 Samuel 12:21-23, David announced his conviction that he would see his child again—"I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." David was convinced he would see his child again. We can take comfort in that conviction.

God not only takes care of the baby, He loves the mourning parents. When a miscarriage occurs, it is understandable to be angry at the God who could have prevented it. God knew how long the child would live (Psalm 139:16). And He pre-ordained the few works the baby needed to complete (Ephesians 2:10). It feels logical to blame God for the tragedy He had control over. But it is far better to seek out God for the comfort and love only He can give. He promises peace for those who come to Him (Isaiah 26:3). And He promises to never leave no matter what the circumstances (Hebrews 13:5). Hebrews 12:15 exhorts, "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." It is foolish to harbor bitterness toward the One Person Who "is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

Circumstances may be difficult; the situation may look dire. But a child, no matter how short his life, is a blessing.



Related Truth:

Why does God let innocent people suffer?

Can Christians feel disappointment with God? Is it wrong to experience disappointment with God?

What does the Bible say about infertility?

In vitro fertilization - What does the Bible say?

Adoption - What does the Bible have to say?


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