 |
Gramps,
I am a member but I have always wondered what the church has said about
abortion. Thanks Gramps! Ashley |
Dear
Ashley,
The
taking of a human life, either before or after birth, is a grievous sin. The
fact that many people in our society of today promote and practice this
diabolical activity in no way lessens the severity of the offense before God.
President Spencer W. Kimball has said,
“Abortion
is a serious sin. There is such a close relationship between the taking of a
life and the taking of an embryonic child, between murder and abortion, that we
would hope that mortal men would not presume to take the frightening
responsibility (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.188).
We
read the following specific information regarding abortion in the Encyclopedia
of Mormonism,
“Abortion
is one of the most revolting and sinful practices of this day. Members must not
submit to, be a party to, or perform an abortion. The only exceptions are
when—
1.
Pregnancy has resulted from incest or rape;
2.
The life or health of the woman is in jeopardy, in the opinion of
competent medical authority; or
3.
The fetus is known, by competent medical authority, to have severe
defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3).
The
God given gift of life is precious. To prevent its occurrence or to terminate
its existence is classed among the most serious of sins. Their seriousness is
related to the fact that life is precious. However, the precious nature of life
is not manifest only in coming into or going out of the world. Those two acts
are but the beginning and the end. Between those two end points is the daily
walk of the individual. Understanding the precious nature of life we should use
the utmost care not to damage or harm it in any way. If we could feel a genuine
love for our Father’s other children we would extend ourselves in their
behalf. The question of being kind just to those who in our opinion would merit
our kindness would not be an issue. We would treat equally well all of our
Father’s children. The Savior’s love and compassion was extended not to just
the worthy, but to all humanity. To treat anyone in an unseemly manner in some
way negates our appreciation for and understanding of the great atoning
sacrifice of the Son of God.
Gramps