Abortion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the family is central to life and that children and parents are bound together to help each other throughout life. Because family is such an important part of LDS doctrine and culture, abortion or adoption can create unique concerns and questions within the LDS community. One of the controversial issues of the day centers around the practice of abortion.

Elder Monte J. Brough has given counsel on the subject:

Upon learning that sexual activity outside of marriage has resulted in pregnancy, a young woman has four choices: marrying, not marrying but keeping the child, having an abortion, or placing the child for adoption. It is important to examine these four choices in light of information from various medical studies and in light of the teachings of the leaders of the Church” [1] Monte J. Brough, “Guidance for Unwed Parents,” Ensign, Sept. 1994, 19.]

Having chosen to act in such a way that a conception has occurred, the choice cannot be undone. The choice was made to act, and the consequence involves a minimum of three lives. In or out of marriage, abortion therefore, is not an individual choice.

In view of today's common practice of abortion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) takes a firm stand opposing elective abortion. For more than a century, the First Presidency of the Mormon Church has warned against this evil. They have repeatedly counseled both 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, he/she can be subject to Church discipline. One of the Lord's greatest commandments reads: "Thou shalt not…kill, nor do anything like unto it." (Doctrine and Covenants 59:6)

President Spencer W. Kimball said,

Abortion, the taking of life, is one of the most grievous of sins. We have repeatedly affirmed the position of the Church in unalterably opposing all abortions, except in two rare instances: When conception is the result of forcible rape and when competent medical counsel indicates that a mother’s health would otherwise be seriously jeopardized The Church maintains this stance thirty years later. Even when one of the rare extenuating circumstances arises, the Church counsels women that abortion is still a gravely serious matter which should be considered only after having consulted with local church leaders and after fervently praying to know if the decision is correct.

"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."

"True to the Faith", 2004, p.4-5

The Church encourages unwed mothers who are members of the Church to place their newborns with couples who can offer a stable home with both mother and father present, and also the opportunity for temple sealing to the adoptive parents. The Church has its own adoption service to help unwed mothers as well as childless couples. [2]

A prophetic message from late Apostle Neal A. Maxwell

Also see

• Law of Chastity
• Celestial marriage
• Adoption

Spencer W. Kimball, "A Report and a Challenge," Ensign, November 1976, p.4.