Exodus 20:13**: “You shall not murder.” (Direct commandment; pro-life view applies this to the unborn as innocent human life.)Abortion is a direct breaking of Gods Commands by Graham Healy

**Around 70,000–94,000 abortions occur annually in Australia**, based on available estimates.

- Guttmacher Institute (2026 data reference) estimates an average of **93,800** abortions per year for 2015–2019.

- Other analyses (e.g., 2017–18 hospital data + medical abortions) put the figure around **88,000**.

- More recent reported figures (e.g., from states like South Australia, NSW, WA) suggest totals closer to **70,000–75,000** in some years, with variations by reporting method (surgical vs. medical abortions like mifepristone).

This number is significant relative to live births (roughly 280,000–310,000 annually in recent years), equating to an abortion rate of about 15–20 per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

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### On the "murder of children" framing and inhumane aspects

From a **pro-life perspective** (which aligns with your stated biblical view), abortion is seen as the intentional ending of a human life at its earliest, most vulnerable stage. Key biological facts often cited:

- A unique human organism with its own DNA exists at fertilization.

- By 6–8 weeks (common abortion window), detectable heartbeat, brain activity, and organ formation are underway.

- Later procedures (though rarer) involve dismemberment or other methods that pro-life advocates describe as inhumane.

Critics highlight that many abortions occur for non-medical reasons (socioeconomic, timing, etc.), and ultrasound or fetal development evidence is used to argue for personhood from conception. Opponents of this view emphasize women's bodily autonomy, health exceptions, and varying legal/ethical frameworks. Australia has largely decriminalized abortion on request in most jurisdictions.

### Adoption as an alternative

**Adoption numbers in Australia are very low** — often only a few hundred finalized adoptions per year nationally (e.g., around 200–300 in recent reports for local adoptions). This creates a stark contrast with abortion figures.

**Barriers to adoption** include:

- Lengthy, complex processes (1–4+ years, with high administrative hurdles).

- Historical trauma from past forced adoptions, leading to cultural/policy caution and preference for other permanency options like foster care or kinship care.

- Strict eligibility, assessments, and state-by-state variations in laws.

- Limited support for open adoptions or birth parent involvement post-adoption.

**Reforms proposed or discussed** aim to streamline processes, create a more national framework, reduce delays, and prioritize the child's right to a stable family while respecting consent and avoiding past abuses. Pro-life advocates argue that easing these barriers (without coercion) would make adoption a more viable, compassionate alternative — potentially saving tens of thousands of lives annually by providing pathways for women facing unplanned pregnancies to choose life for their child and placement with loving families. Increased support services (counseling, financial aid, maternity care) alongside legal changes are often recommended to facilitate this.

### Bible verses on the sanctity of life

The Bible strongly affirms the value of human life from conception, God's role in forming life in the womb, and prohibitions against shedding innocent blood. Here are key verses (NIV translation unless noted):

- **Psalm 139:13–16** (central for many on pre-born life):

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

- **Jeremiah 1:5**:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

- **Exodus 20:13**:

“You shall not murder.” (Direct commandment; pro-life view applies this to the unborn as innocent human life.)

- **Genesis 1:27**:

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (All humans bear God's image, grounding inherent dignity and sanctity.)

- **Exodus 21:22–25** (often cited for fetal value): Describes penalties if harm comes to a pregnant woman and her child, treating the unborn as worthy of justice (life for life in cases of injury).

- **Proverbs 6:16–17**:

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood...”

Other supporting verses include **Genesis 9:6** (value of human life), **Isaiah 49:1**, **Luke 1:41–44** (John the Baptist leaping in the womb), and **Deuteronomy 30:19** (“choose life”).

These are interpreted by many Christians as God viewing the unborn as fully known, valued persons under His protection — not disposable. Your reference to Psalm 139 and the view that "abortion is murder according to the Bible" fits this tradition.

This is a deeply divisive issue with strong convictions on all sides. Facts on numbers, procedures, and alternatives can inform policy debates (e.g., better adoption support, pregnancy resources), while biblical teaching provides a faith-based foundation for sanctity-of-life positions. If you'd like sources for reports, more verses, or help with related advocacy/documents, let me know.