What does the Bible say about birth defects? Why does God allow birth defects?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that Adam and Eve’s sin introduced suffering and death into what was a perfect world. That suffering involves physical ailments, including birth defects. Despite that, Scripture shows that God loves us (Lamentations 3:22-23; John 3:16) and that we can serve in His plans, as Old and New Testament believers did, despite their limitations (Exodus 4:10-12; John 9:1-3). The example of David’s treatment of Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth is a picture of the loving way that all believers should treat those who are in need, because of physical limitations or other hardships (2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13). Like other consequences of a fallen world, birth defects will be done away with in the new heavens and the new earth.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Though God's creation is very good (Genesis 1:31), human beings tainted that perfection with sin (Genesis 3). Since then, all humanity has been under the curse of sin in this world, which includes physical impairments.
• Leviticus chapters 17 and 18 outline God’s prohibition of marrying a close relative. Today, we know that doing so causes genetic deformities in the children of those relationships.
• Any form of suffering, including birth defects, can draw us closer to God, the ultimate Healer. Many of the Psalms testify to this (Psalm 23:4, 34:18, 42:11 73:26, 147:3).
• Every child is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), is loved by Him (Lamentations 3:22-23), and has an important purpose in this life (Psalm 139:13-14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• One passage that offers some insight regarding birth defects can be found in John 9:2-3: "And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" Birth defects are not necessarily due to the sin of the parents or child but serve as part of God's plan for our lives.
• Birth defects are the consequence of a fallen, sinful world (Romans 5:12).
• Rather than seeking to explain or claim to know the reasons behind a birth defect, believers are called to care for those in need as well as to grieve with those who grieve in difficult situations (Romans 12:15).
• Birth defects and other physical ailments are part of this broken world, but Christ has conquered it (John 16:33). One day, all suffering will end (Revelation 21:3-5).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Babies are so beautiful that they’re often described as “perfect,” especially by their parents. But the truth is, all of us are born with a serious defect, a defect that stays with us until we die: sin. Adam and Eve’s disobedience guaranteed that we would inherit their sin.

A consequence of sin is a fallen world in which physical defects exist, including birth defects. But whether a baby is born with a chromosomal disorder, a congenital heart defect, or some other issue, they’re all made in the image of God and, therefore, valuable (Genesis 1:26-27). They deserve our sympathy and our help. On a practical level, we should help those who suffer from birth defects by testifying to Christ through our loving actions toward them (John 13:35; James 2:14-17).

We should also help them to understand that their defect is temporary and that through faith in Christ who has “overcome the world” (John 16:33), they can experience an eternity of perfection. Through Christ, they can one day experience a new heaven and a new earth—one that won’t be subject to the pain of birth defects, disease, and death (Revelation 21:4). Christ alone offers us hope.

UNDERSTAND

• Birth defects are a result of the fall, bringing suffering, brokenness, and physical ailments into creation.
• Each person is made in God’s image, loved by Him, and can be part of His redemptive purposes despite physical challenges.
• All suffering, including birth defects, will one day be removed in the new heavens and new earth, where God will make everything new.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that every person is made in God’s image shape the way you respond to those who live with physical challenges?
• In what ways has suffering—whether your own or someone else's—helped you see God’s love or purposes more clearly?
• How does the hope of a future without pain and brokenness affect the way you live and serve today?

ENGAGE

• What can we learn from Jesus' response in John 9 about how to view disability and suffering in others' lives?
• How can the church reflect God's love and purpose for people with birth defects or other physical limitations?
• What does it look like to hold both compassion and eternal hope when walking alongside someone affected by a birth defect?