So the cynical view is that adopting the moralistically pious attitude that the sperm-egg created a human and the soul entered at that point worked better at getting money...

So, if the egg splits later, does the soul split also? I'm referring to identical twins.

Also, I would point out that the bible contains instructions about how to perform an abortion. They aren't medically valid, but they do indicate that the bible condones it.

There really isn't a single moment, which is partially why I don't accept any line in the sand. A sperm is alive, as is an ovum. When they merge, they're still alive. As is the blastula. Etc. Any line we draw is completely arbitrary.

I would not be surprised about the coffers. I suspect it is more about simply controlling women. Women are reviled throughout the scriptures. From the apple to menstrual blood to not being allowed to speak in church. Women were explicitly, and implicitly, chattel (e.g. Job's wife died, but it was OK because god gave him a new one...like they are just interchangeable). I cannot abide that attitude towards half the population. I don't know how any woman can be an adherent of an Abrahamic religion. They all degrade women.