Ellen Gould White über: "What does “woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days” mean?"

No relevant passages from the writings of Ellen G. White were found for your question. Therefore, I will answer it directly from the Bible and in keeping with her well-known principles of interpretation.

What does “Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers” mean?

Jesus says these words in Matthew 24:19; similar statements appear in Mark 13:17 and Luke 21:23. He warns his disciples of a time of great distress, when people in Judea would have to flee quickly to the mountains (Matthew 24:15–18).

Here, “woe” is not a condemnation of pregnant or nursing women, but an expression of compassion in view of their impending suffering. A hurried flight is especially difficult for a pregnant woman. A nursing mother must also care for and protect a small child who is completely dependent on her. Hunger, exhaustion, and the lack of safe shelter affect both particularly severely.

What time is Jesus referring to?

The immediate context concerns the impending devastation of Jerusalem, which took place in AD 70. Luke explicitly names the siege of Jerusalem by armies as a warning sign to flee (Luke 21:20–21). In Matthew 24, this warning is also linked to a broader view of the final events and Christ’s return. In keeping with Ellen White’s writings, the distress of that time also points to the great final crisis.

Jesus’ concern for the particular difficulties of fleeing is also shown by his instruction to pray that it would not happen in winter or on the Sabbath (Matthew 24:20).

What does this mean for us?

The statement is not a general prohibition against having children, nor does it suggest that pregnancy or motherhood is something bad. Rather, it shows that Jesus sees the hardship of particularly vulnerable people. According to his principles, we should take warnings seriously, act prudently, and provide practical help to pregnant women, mothers, and children in times of crisis. The emphasis is not on fear, but on vigilance, compassion, and trust in God.

Note: Even with very specific Adventist or biblical questions, it is important to make this distinction: This answer is not based on Ellen White documents found on this subject, but on my knowledge of the Bible and Adventist beliefs.