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What is the Church’s position on abortion?
In 1973, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement regarding abortion, which is still applicable today:
“The Church opposes abortion and counsels its members not to submit to or perform an abortion except in the rare cases where, in the opinion of competent medical counsel, the life or good health of the mother is seriously endangered or where the pregnancy was caused by rape and produces serious emotional trauma in the mother. Even then it should be done only after counseling with the local presiding priesthood authority and after receiving divine confirmation through prayer.”
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Chaz answered...
Abortion is a serious matter which is opposed by the Church. The only cases in which abortion is acceptable is when, in the opinion of competent medical council, the life of the mother in is serious danger, or when the pregnancy was caused by rape and causes serious emotional trauma. Even when those cases are present, it is only done after counseling with the local priesthood authority, and recieveing divine confirmation through the Holy Ghost. In any other case abortion is termination of life. In other words, Murder. Which is contrary to the commandments of God and against the will of God. Show more Show less
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Charis answered...
The Church recognizes some circumstances that may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. Human life is a sacred gift from God. Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God. Show more Show less
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LauraMaery answered...
Parenting is a gift from, and a partnership with, God. There are rare circumstances where, with the approprobation of God, there might be a reason to terminate a pregnancy. But that's a decision to made only after much prayer and both medical and ecclesiastical counseling. The larger principle here is that joy comes of making God a full partner in marriage, and of bringing children into the world within the bounds of marriage. Show more Show less
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Lindy answered...
A woman has the right to choose what situations she is in. When she chooses to be intimate with a man then it is her responsibility to handle the consequence of that decision responsibly. Adoption is a safe and rewarding alternative to abortion and can start the woman on to the road of healing where abortion can complicate feelings of guilt and unworthiness. When a woman's right to choose has been taken away in cases of abuse and such, then she should prayerfully go to the Lord about what to do. In such a sad circumstance giving the baby up for adoption will be a huge challenge, but can also bless the woman in unexpected and glorious ways. Life is always sacred and when treated as such there are many great rewards. Show more Show less
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Priscila answered...
The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. The only exceptions are when pregnancy resulted from forcible rape or incest, a competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or if a competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. Even these exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons responsible have consulted with their bishops and received divine confirmation through prayer. Show more Show less
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Emily answered...
Latter-day prophets have spoken out against abortions referring to the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." Exodus 20 13. However, Church leaders have also stated, "that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth." True to the Faith, pg. 4-5. They encourage women, even those experiencing the above stated circumstances, to consult their local Church leaders, and to seriously pray before making a decision. Show more Show less
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David answered...
Abortion is a very serious matter. The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. The only possible exception might be when the pregnancy resulted from forcible rape or incest or if a competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy. Even those exceptions don't automatically justify an abortion. Abortion should be considered only after serious counsel, thought, and prayer. The baby has every right to be born and reared by a father and mother who love it. Adoption should be seriously considered rather than abortion. Adoption is an unselfish, loving decision that blesses both the birth parents and the child. Show more Show less
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Chris answered...
Commonly misunderstood. In cases of incest or rape, when the mother's health is at risk, or it is highly likely that the fetus will not survive outside the womb, women should prayerfully consider their options and then make their choice under direction of the Holy Ghost. I don't think any organization advocates abortion as a primary means birth control, but there are organizations that approve of using abortion in any case of an unwanted pregnancy. The Mormon church is not one of these. In instances of unwanted pregnancies, excluding scenarios mentioned above, the Mormon church is very much in favor of adoption instead of abortion and has an extensive network of adoption services aimed at making this option accessible for women with unwanted pregnancies. Show more Show less
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Dave answered...
While cases exist when abortion may be advisable, in general, abortion is a devastating practice when used for personal or social convenience. Years ago, on occasion as appropriate, I would listen and learn with friends, discussing the reasons for their positions on abortion. When a friend and I discussed the reasons of her support of abortion, she added, “Because I’ve had one.” And then she burst into tears. I apologized for making her uncomfortable, and she cried for some time. This was the last time I initiated such a discussion; the underlying feelings run very deep. It’s these deep feelings that nevertheless are at the center of the issue. Part of us whispers a better answer, that this is an assault on the defenseless, which is why God is against abortion provided on demand to deal with unwanted pregnancies. If we support it, we place ourselves at odds with God. As with any sinner, God wants us to return to him and repent of the abortion, which by celestial design, is difficult but possible. While in rare cases abortion is justified to preserve the health of the mother, care must be taken to avoid justifying its use in a degenerative climate of permissiveness and immorality, with its attendant increase in cynicism against having children and a cultural harshness toward those who do have children. I know that the deepest joys in life are centered in the family and that we will be truly happy when we use our strength to choose to live within the bounds the Lord has set. Show more Show less
