Why should a premature birth require a penalty? (Exodus 21:22–23)

22 “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely[e] but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,

[e]  Exodus 21:22 Or she has a miscarriage

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked November 10 2018 • Jack Gutknecht