Abortion

In view of today's common practice of abortion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) opposes an elective abortion. For more than a century, the First Presidency of the Mormon Church has warned against this evil. They have repeatedly counseled the members and non-members to not be a part of this devastating practice. This includes submitting to, performing, encouraging, paying for, or arranging for an abortion. If any member has encouraged an abortion in any way, they would be subject to Church discipline. One of the Lord's greatest commandments reads: "Thou shalt not…kill, nor do anything like unto it."1

Having chosen to act in where a conception has occurred cannot be undone. The choice was made to act, which now involves a minimum of three lives. In or out of marriage, abortion is not an individual choice.

The Mormon Church recognizes that there may be rare cases in which abortion may be warranted – cases which involve pregnancy by incest or rape; when the life or health of the mother is judged by a experienced medical doctor to be in serious danger; or when the fetus is known by an experienced doctor to have severe defects that would not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. However, these are not automatic reasons for abortion. Even in these cases, the Church leaders counsel to consider an abortion only after consulting with their ward leaders and receiving a confirmation through prayer.

"When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption."2

1 Doctrine and Covenants 59:6 2 "True to the Faith", 2004, p.4-5