Answers to Frequently-asked Questions on Abortion from the Latter-day Saint Perspective
What about the agency or choice of the pregnant woman?
God gives human beings the gift of moral agency, but this is not a limitless gift. Women may make many choices, including sexual intimacy, but her agency does not permit her to end the life of another. There are many choices which the Lord has commanded us not to choose, and elective abortion is among the most serious. The preborn baby’s life and agency must be preserved.
Russell M. Nelson, “Choices,” General Conference, October 1990
"In recent years, many questions relate to the 'choice' to abort the life of a newly forming human being. Ironically, such 'choice' would deny that developing individual both life and choice."
Russell M. Nelson, “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless,” Ensign, October 2008
"When the controversies about abortion are debated, individual right of choice' is invoked as though it were the one supreme virtue. That could only be true if but one person was involved. The rights of any one individual do not allow the rights of another individual to be abused. In or out of marriage, abortion is not solely an individual matter. Terminating the life of a developing baby involves two individuals with separate bodies, brains, and hearts. A woman’s choice for her own body does not include the right to deprive her baby of life—and a lifetime of choices that her child would make. "As Latter-day Saints, we should stand up for choice—the right choice—not simply for choice as a method."
Dallin H. Oaks, “Weightier Matters,” BYU Devotional, February 9, 1999
"More than 30 years ago, as a young law professor, I published one of the earliest articles on the legal consequences of abortion. Since that time I have been a knowledgeable observer of the national debate and the unfortunate Supreme Court decisions on the so-called 'right to abortion.' I have been fascinated with how cleverly those who sought and now defend legalized abortion on demand have moved the issue away from a debate on the moral, ethical, and medical pros and cons of legal restrictions on abortion and focused the debate on the slogan or issue of choice. The slogan or sound bite 'pro-choice' has had an almost magical effect in justifying abortion and in neutralizing opposition to it. Pro-choice slogans have been particularly seductive to Latter-day Saints because we know that moral agency, which can be described as the power of choice, is a fundamental necessity in the gospel plan. All Latter-day Saints are pro-choice according to that theological definition. But being pro-choice on the need for moral agency does not end the matter for us. Choice is a method, not the ultimate goal. We are accountable for our choices, and only righteous choices will move us toward our eternal goals."
What is the official stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning abortion?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pro-life and supports the protection of preborn human life. “We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.” The Church opposes elective abortion.
"The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Members must not submit to, perform, arrange for, pay for, consent to, or encourage an abortion. The only possible 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. - "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 automatically justify abortion. 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. Presiding officers carefully review the circumstances if a Church member has been involved in an abortion. A membership council may be necessary if a member submits to, performs, arranges for, pays for, consents to, or encourages an abortion (see 38.6.1)."
The Family: A Proclamation to the World, September 23, 1995
"We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan."
What about the Church’s exceptions to abortion?
The Church lists exceptions to its stance against abortion including those rare situations of rape, incest, life or health of mother, and fatal fetal defect. However, even in these cases, the Church recommends counseling with their bishops and the Lord to determine the best course of action.
Some may say that because the Church makes exceptions for certain cases, all abortions should be allowed legally, or abortion generally is not really a sin. This is not in line with Church doctrine. Nowhere does Church doctrine or policy say abortion “rights” must be protected generally.
Russell M. Nelson, “Reverence for Life,” General Conference, April 1985
"Another sympathetic concern applies to pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The tragedy of this despoilment is compounded because, in such relationships, freedom of choice is denied the woman who is innocently involved. But less than 3 percent of all abortions are performed for these two reasons. The other 97 percent are performed for what may be termed 'reasons of convenience.'”
Gordon B. Hinckley, “What Are People Asking About Us?” General Conference, October 1998
"Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing, a thing which inevitably brings remorse and sorrow and regret. While we denounce it, we make allowance in such circumstances as [the cases in the Handbook]. "But such instances are rare, and there is only a negligible probability of their occurring. In these circumstances those who face the question are asked to consult with their local ecclesiastical leaders and to pray in great earnestness, receiving a confirmation through prayer before proceeding."
"The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Members must not submit to, perform, arrange for, pay for, consent to, or encourage an abortion. The only possible 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. - "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 automatically justify abortion. 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. Presiding officers carefully review the circumstances if a Church member has been involved in an abortion. A membership council may be necessary if a member submits to, performs, arranges for, pays for, consents to, or encourages an abortion (see 38.6.1)."
When does human life begin?
Biology shows that the joining of two human germ cells creates human life. The Church has not specifically stated the moment when the spirit enters the human body, but we do know that our brothers and sisters are coming to those bodies to continue their mortal journeys. We welcome and protect those spirits coming to Earth.
Russell M. Nelson, “Reverence for Life,” General Conference, April 1985
"It is not a question of when 'meaningful life' begins or when the spirit 'quickens' the body. In the biological sciences, it is known that life begins when two germ cells unite to become one cell, bringing together twenty-three chromosomes from both the father and from the mother. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes. In a marvelous process involving a combination of genetic coding by which all the basic human characteristics of the unborn person are established, a new DNA complex is formed. A continuum of growth results in a new human being. The onset of life is not a debatable issue, but a fact of science."
Neil L. Andersen, “The Personal Journey of a Child,” General Conference, April 2021
"Some may question if life begins with the formation of an embryo, or when the heart begins to beat, or when the baby can live outside of the womb, but for us, there is no question that spirit daughters and sons of God are on their own personal journeys coming to earth to receive a body and experience mortality. "As covenant children of God, we love, honor, nurture, safeguard, and welcome those spirits who are coming from the premortal world."
Why should the government be involved in restricting abortion?
The primary role of government is to protect human life. The legal ending of life is only permitted under very restrictive circumstances, such as self-defense. Governments must promote civilized society that includes protecting its most vulnerable and promoting a culture that respects life.
As informed members of Christ’s Church on the earth, we are encouraged to use our own agency and influence to impact both culture and government to protect life–particularly that of our preborn brothers and sisters.
Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from Eve,” General Conference, October 1987
"For the wrath of God is provoked by governments that sponsor gambling, condone pornography, or legalize abortion."
The Family: A Proclamation to the World, September 23, 1995
"We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."
Russell M. Nelson, “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless,” Ensign, October 2008
"This war called abortion is a war on the defenseless and the voiceless. It is a war on the unborn. This war is being waged globally. Ironically, civilized societies that have generally placed safeguards on human life have now passed laws that sanction this practice."
What is my responsibility as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to love their preborn brothers and sisters and use their God-given agency and resources to promote pro-life values in society. Latter-day Saints are blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, as well as added knowledge of the premortal life and the plan of salvation. This gift and knowledge, together with prayer and personal revelation, can guide us to know how we can participate in efforts to protect preborn babies.
"The Church’s position on this matter remains unchanged. As states work to enact laws related to abortion, Church members may appropriately choose to participate in efforts to protect life and to preserve religious liberty."
Neil L. Anderson, “The Personal Journey of a Child,” General Conference, April 2021
"What is our responsibility as peaceful disciples of Jesus Christ? Let us live God’s commandments, teach them to our children, and share them with others who are willing to listen. Let us share our deep feelings about the sanctity of life with those who make decisions in society."
Russell M. Nelson, “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless,” Ensign, October 2008
"As Latter-day Saints, we should stand up for choice—the right choice—not simply for choice as a method."