Difference between revisions of "Question: What is the Mormon position on abortion?"

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This page is based on an answer to a question submitted to the FAIR web site, or a frequently asked question.

Questions

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What is the Church's stance on abortion? Is abortion murder?

Detailed Analysis

Members of the Church regard families as the foundation of heaven. Bearing children is thus a source of joy and great responsibility. Prophets of God have taught that abortion is a grave sin, save where the health of the mother is endangered, or where the pregnancy is the product of rape or incest. Even in these exceptional cases, members should seek an abortion only after counseling with the Lord:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life. Therefore, the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions.

The Church allows for possible exceptions for its members when:

• Pregnancy results from rape or incest, or

• A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or

• A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

The Church teaches its members that even these rare exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons involved have consulted with their local church leaders and feel through personal prayer that their decision is correct.

The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion.^[1]

Murder?

In LDS teaching, however, abortion is not regarded as equivalent to the sin of murder. With faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance, one may be forgiven.

As Elder Russell M. Nelson taught:

Now, is there hope for those who have so sinned without full understanding, who now suffer heartbreak? Yes. So far as is known, the Lord does not regard this transgression as murder. And “as far as has been revealed, a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion.” Gratefully, we know the Lord will help all who are truly repentant.^[2]

He elsewhere said:

Is there any hope for the person who has participated in the act of abortion? Is there any hope for those who have so sinned and who now suffer heartbreak? The answer is yes! “As far as has been revealed, a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion.”[a] We know the Lord will help all who are truly repentant.[b]^[3]

Adoption

Latter-day Saints also believe in chastity before marriage, and fidelity within marriage. Observance of these principles would eliminate most abortions. Children deserve to be raised by parents who love them and can provide from them—if a single woman becomes pregnant, the Church strongly encourages her to put the child’s needs first, which often means choosing an adoptive family. In most cases, this provides best for both the child and the mother’s needs.

Wrote the First Presidency in 1999:

“Priesthood and auxiliary leaders are again encouraged to teach members the importance of living chaste and virtuous lives. We reiterate our concern over the decline of moral values in society and the resultant number of children born out of wedlock and reared by unwed parents. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by parents who provide love, support, and all the blessings of the gospel.

“Every effort should be made in helping those who conceive out of wedlock to establish an eternal family relationship. When the probability of a successful marriage is unlikely, unwed parents should be encouraged to place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Social Services. Adoption through LDS Social Services helps ensure that the baby will be reared by a mother and father in a faithful Latter-day Saint family.

“Unwed parents who do not marry should not be counseled to keep the infant as a condition of repentance or out of an obligation to care for one’s own. Generally, unwed parents are not able to provide the stable, nurturing environment so essential for the baby’s well-being.

“When deciding to place the baby for adoption, the best interests of the child should be the paramount consideration. Placing the infant for adoption enables unwed parents to do what is best for the child and enhances the prospect for the blessings of the gospel in the lives of all concerned.”^[4]

Elder Nelson said:

Why destroy a life that could bring great joy to others? There are better ways of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. When a life is created by sinful behavior, the best way to begin personal repentance is to preserve the life of that child. To add another serious sin to a serious sin already committed only compounds the grief. Adoption is a wonderful alternative to abortion. Both the baby and the adoptive parents can be greatly blessed by the adoption of that baby into a home where the child will be lovingly nurtured and where the blessings of the gospel will be available.^[5]

== Notes ==

1. [note]  “Abortion,” lds.org off-site (accessed 15 Sept 2010)
2. [note]  Russell M. Nelson, "Reverence for Life," Ensign (May 1985): 11. off-site
3. [note]  Russell M. Nelson, "Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless," Ensign (Oct 2008): 32–37. off-site [Citations [a] Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 1: Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics (2006), 185;[b] See Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17; DC 58꞉42.]
4. [note]  Cited in "Policies and Announcements," Ensign (April 1999): 80.
5. [note]  Nelson, "Abortion, An assault on the Defenseless," 37.

Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims