Leviticus 18:21 and Planned Parenthood: Understanding Context and Distinctions

The intersection of religion and modern social issues is a complex and often contentious topic. One biblical verse that is sometimes cited in debates about reproductive rights and organizations like Planned Parenthood is Leviticus 18:21, which states:

”You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.”

To fully understand this verse and its relevance — or lack thereof — to the discussion surrounding Planned Parenthood, it’s essential to examine the historical and theological context of Leviticus 18:21, as well as what Molech represents, and why equating this verse with modern reproductive health services is not an accurate comparison.

Historical and Cultural Context of Leviticus 18:21

Leviticus 18:21 is part of a broader set of laws given to the Israelites, outlining proper worship and moral behavior. The verse specifically forbids the practice of child sacrifice to the Canaanite deity Molech. This ritual involved passing children through fire, an act considered not only abhorrent but also a violation of the Israelites’ covenant with God.

Molech was associated with the worst forms of idolatry, where the most vulnerable — children — were sacrificed in the hope of receiving favor or protection from the deity. This practice was seen as a grave sin because it violated the sanctity of life and the exclusive worship…