Exodus 21:22-23 and Abortion

[WJL]

I’ve heard it claimed that the Israelites didn’t regard unborn babies as human beings, based on the Scripture passage of Exodus 21:22-23. One site says, “Literally and by interpretation, this passage poses the basic legal principal that the destruction of the fetus is not to be considered punishable murder. Death of the unborn child is punishable by fine only, and capital punishment does not apply. Only if the mother is harmed, i.e. killed, does the law of capital punishment take effect.” (Source)

This passage of Scripture is being used to justify abortion, as you can see here: libchrist.com/other/abortion/jewishview.html

I’m interested to know how other Catholics here would respond to this claim.

 

[Luke_K]

It’s all about the translation.

Here’s your answer: str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5700 (and how fortunate that it was posted yesterday!)

Also note that if the verses they used justifies abortion, then verses 28-32 in that same chapter justifies killing slaves.

 

[josephmundell]

I have a question regarding Exodus 21 no just the abortion but the whole chapter it seems to me that it is condoning slavery?