Abortion

What is the Church's policy on abortion?

The Church opposes abortion in almost all cases.[1] It has listed exceptions to the abortion policy in cases like pregnancy from rape or incest, when the life or health of the mother is at risk, or when the fetus has a severe defect that makes life after birth impossible.[2]

The Church Handbook notes that "even these exceptions do not justify abortion automatically."[3] In these cases, the handbook directs members to pray and counsel with local leaders before making a decision.[4]

Is abortion considered a sin?

Yes, the Church has stated that when there are no exceptional circumstances, abortion is considered a serious sin.[5]

Are people that have abortions subject to Church discipline?

Yes, if none of the exceptional cases apply.[6] Performing, arranging, paying for, or encouraging one may also result in a membership council.[7]

This does not apply to those who are involved in an abortion before becoming a member.[8] In those cases, the member interviews with a mission president and receives special permission for baptism.[9]

Does the Church consider abortion murder?

No, not really. The Church General Handbook states that abortion is not defined as murder.[10] But it also compares abortion to D&C 59:6, which states: “Thou shalt not . . . kill, nor do anything like unto it."[11]

So if it's not considered murder, why is abortion wrong?

The Church teaches, "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."[12]

Is there doctrine relating to when life begins?

No, there is no specific doctrine about when life begins.[13]

Do the scriptures say anything about abortion?

Possibly. Some have argued that the "ordeal of bitter water" in Numbers in the Old Testament as describing a ritual that induced an abortion,[14] although others have argued that the text is unclear.[15]

A few New Testament passages speak negatively of pharmakeia, which may be a term that refers to abortion inducing treatments.[16] The Didache (a 1st-2nd century AD christian document) explicitly condemn abortion.[17]

The Church doesn't record miscarriages or stillborns in family records and doesn't do temple work for them. So doesn't this imply that a fetus isn't a person?

Possibly, but the Church Handbook refers to children who die before birth as "children" and specifically states that the lack of requirement for temple ordinances "does not deny the possibility that these children may be part of the family in the eternities."[18]

Why would the Church policy have exceptions and allow abortions?

Sometimes commandments have exceptions to account for particular circumstances.[19] President Dallin H. Oaks[BIO] has noted that when a woman is violated by rape or incest, she has a moral and legal right to an abortion.[20]

Is the call to make "abortion safe, legal, and rare" consistent with the Church policy on abortion?

Sort of, but not really. The wording itself can align with the policy of the Church,[21] but the political slogan "abortion should be safe, legal, and rare" has been typically used to support the legalization of elective abortions,[22] which the Church opposes.[23]

Does the Church take a position as it relates to "pro-life" versus "pro-choice" legislation?

Yes and no. The Church has not taken positions on individual bills or initiatives related to abortion,[24] however in June of 2022 it updated[25] it's stated policy to say "Church members may appropriately choose to participate in efforts to protect life and to preserve religious liberty."[26]

Additionally, some Church leaders have expressed positions critical of "pro-choice" policy.[27]

Do Latter-day Saints tend to be "pro-life" or "pro-choice"? How do they compare with the general population?

A 2015 Pew Research study indicated that most American Latter-day Saints (70%) believe that abortion should be "illegal in all/most cases."[28] Survey data also suggest that greater religiosity among Latter-Day Saints predicts pro-life positions.[29]

Various survey datasets have found that the majority of Americans want at least some restrictions on abortion.[30] For example, a 2022 Marist poll found that 83% of Americans want at least some kind of restriction on abortion.[31] And a 2022 Pew Research survey found 71% of Americans believe there are "exceptions" in which abortion should be illegal.[32]

Does the principle of free agency support voting pro-choice?

Possibly, however, Church leaders have argued that agency is not a valid reason to support elective abortion legislation.[33]

Does the Church restrict the bodily autonomy or reproductive rights of women?

Yes. Policies and teachings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribe behavior across a variety of areas like Sabbath day observance,[34] diet,[35] and sexual activity.[36]

Is the Church okay with contraceptives?

Yes. The Church teaches that family planning decisions "rest solely with each married couple."[37]

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Footnotes

BIODallin H. Oaks
Dallin H. Oaks (1932–present) was born in Provo, Utah, and became an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1984. After the death of his first wife, June Dixon Oaks, in 1998, he married Kristen M. McMain in 2000. He graduated from Brigham Young University (1954) and the University of Chicago Law School (1957). After practicing and teaching law in Chicago, he became the president of Brigham Young University from 1971 to 1980. He was then a justice of the Utah Supreme Court (1980–1984) before resigning to become an apostle. He was made the first counselor in the First Presidency and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2018.
[1]↩︎
The General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states:
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 official Church policy on abortion.
- Guttmacher Institute report on why women have abortions.
[2]↩︎
The Church Handbook notes:
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.
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[3]↩︎
This is noted in the handbook's section on "Policies and Moral Issues, Abortion."
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[4]↩︎
The Church does not provide precise guidance on what would make abortion in these exceptional cases permissible, but they state:
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.
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[5]↩︎
The General Handbook describes it as "the sin of abortion." The Church's Gospel Topics essay states, "Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God."
In 1973, the First Presidency issued a statement declaring abortion to be "one of the most revolting and sinful practices in this day."
Russell M. Nelson referred to it as "a serious sin," while Dallin H. Oaks called it both a "serious" and "grievous" sin. Gordon B. Hinckley called it "an evil."
[6]↩︎
According to the Church's official policy, "Presiding officers carefully review the circumstances if a Church member has been involved in an abortion."
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[7]↩︎
The Church Handbook states:
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 32.6.2.5).
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[8]↩︎
The abortion section in the General Handbook states that "a membership council should not be considered if a member was involved in an abortion before baptism."
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[9]↩︎
According to guidance in the missionary guide, Preach My Gospel, asking about abortion is required before a baptism. Missionaries are instructed anyone who has participated in an abortion to be directed to a special screening interview with the Mission President (or someone he designates).
- Missionary instructions regarding abortion for baptismal interview.
[10]↩︎
This definition is found in the handbook section related to disciplinary councils for violent acts and abuse.
- Official church policy on severity of murder, rape, abuse, etc.
[11]↩︎
The General Handbook section on abortion begins with this scripture.
- The official Church policy on abortion.
- Official church policy on severity of murder, rape, abuse, etc.
[12]↩︎
The Church Gospel Topics Essay on abortion gives an overview of the Church policy and doctrine related to abortion.
- Church essay on abortion; elective abortion for personal/social convenience condemned.
[13]↩︎
The scientific consensus is that the development of a unique human life begins upon the fertilization of an egg. In the context of religious discussions, this question is referred to as "ensoulment" which is the question of when the "soul" enters the body.
The Church does not have any official statement about when this occurs.
However, President Russell M. Nelson taught, "In the course of my studies as a medical doctor, I learned that a new life begins when two special cells unite to become one cell, bringing together 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother."
President Oaks has also taught, "individual identity began long before conception and will continue for all the eternities to come."
[14]↩︎
Modern commentaries such as Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible and Mercer Commentary on the Old Testament interpret Numbers 5 as describing a ritual that would induce an abortion if the woman was guilty of adultery.
- Jack G. Partain interprets Numbers 5:11-31 as a pregnant woman is guilty of adultery, then the drink will cause an abortion, if not, then nothing will happen.
- Philip J. Budd interprets Numbers 5:11-31 as a ritual that causes an abortion if the woman is guilty of adultery.
[15]↩︎
The ordeal of bitter water is found in Numbers 5:11-31.
There have been various interpretations of the ordeal of bitter water. While induced miscarriage/abortion is a possibility, scholars have acknowledged that the result of the ritual could simply refer to sterility or some other physical manifestation of guilt.
One scholar has noted that one of the weaknesses of the abortion interpretation is that "the trial is not restricted to pregnant women."
[16]↩︎
These passages include Galatians 5:20, Revelation 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, and 22:15. The Greek pharmakeia is translated as "witchcraft" and "sorcery" in the King James Bible.
Biblical scholar Michael Gorman explained,
The word pharmakeia (and its cognates) can be neutral, generic term for the use of drugs, but more often it has the negative connotation of drugs and potions supplied by a sorcerer or magician. It is also used to refer to poisons and mind-disturbing drugs. In Soranos's Gynecology, it refers specfically to the use of one type of evil drug, the abortifacient. The word pharmakeia itself, then, can mean the use of drugs, evil or magical drugs themselves, or a specific evil drug such as a poison or an abortifacient.
- Michael Gorman argues that the New Testament potentially refers to and condemns abortifacients.
[17]↩︎
The Didache reads,
Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not engage in pederasty, do not engage in sexual immorality. Do not steal, do not practice magic, do not use enchanted potions, do not abort a fetus or kill a child that is born.
Abortion is mentioned in connection with "magic" and "enchanted potions" which may be a reference to the New Testament's condemnation of pharmakeia.
[18]↩︎
The Church handbook section on "Children Who Die Before Birth" states that "parents may decide whether to hold memorial or graveside services" and also that they may "may record information about the child in FamilySearch."
There is no precise revelation on these topics, either explicit or implied by policy, which is why the section concludes with a statement that "parents are encouraged to trust the Lord and seek His comfort."
- Policies on funerals and records for children who die before birth.
[19]↩︎
For example, the Church General Handbook specifically exempts acts of violence from consideration as murder when they are committed "in the line of duty" for police and military.
It also states that "if death was caused by accident or by defense of self or others, the taking of a human life might not be defined as murder."
- Official church policy on severity of murder, rape, abuse, etc.
[20]↩︎
In President Hinckley's 1998 General Conference talk "What are People Asking About Us?", he noted that women have the right to an abortion if they are raped. President Oaks echoed this the following year.
[21]↩︎
The official Church policy allows for exceptions, advocates for members to be law-abiding, and generally discourages abortion, which seems to align with "safe, legal, and rare."
- The official Church policy on abortion.
[22]↩︎
The phrase "safe, legal, and rare" was coined by Bill Clinton in 1992 and was used to campaign for abortion legislation by the Democratic party. In 2012, the word "rare" was removed from the slogan by the DNC, and by 2016, the phrase had been dropped altogether.
[23]↩︎
President Dallin H. Oaks stated that "the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Our members are taught that, subject only to some very rare exceptions, they must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion."
Referring to elective abortion, President Nelson said "Human reasoning has twisted and transformed absolute truth into sound-bite slogans that promote a practice that is consummately wrong."
- Dallin H. Oaks specifically addresses the "free agency" argument for legalized abortion.
- Russell M. Nelson gives talk on abortion, beginning of life, and freedom of choice.
[24]↩︎
The Church "is neutral in matters of party politics," but also "reserve[s] the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences."
- Church Public Affairs articulates Church's political neutrality.
[25]↩︎
On January 11, 1991, the Church issued a statement on abortion saying that they did not take a position on it because they found it "impractical" to do so.
In 2019, Peggy Fletcher Stack reported that the Church had this statement on their official website.
- The Church issues statement on abortion and not taking a legislative position.
- Peggy Fletcher Stack claims the Church leans more toward being ''pro-choice” on abortion than strictly "pro-life."
[26]↩︎
A Church statement from 1991 read, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution has not favored or opposed specific legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion."
However, on June 24, 2022, the U. S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the Church posted an updated statement on abortion. This statement included a referral to an updated abortion policy which stated that members may participate in the legislative process "to protect life" and "preserve religious freedom."
[27]↩︎
For example, in a 1999 BYU speech, President Oaks criticized Latter-day Saints who are only personally opposed to abortion but are supportive of pro-choice public policy.
And President Nelson stated, "Abortion has been legalized by governing entities without regard for God and His commandments. Scriptures state repeatedly that people will prosper only if they obey the commandments of God."
[28]↩︎
A 2015 Pew Research study found:
- 70% of American Latter-Day Saints believe that abortion should be "illegal in all/most cases."
- 27% believe it should be "legal in all/most cases."
- 2% "don't know."
Latter-day Saints have the highest percentage in the "illegal in all/most cases" camp, second only to Jehovah's Witnesses.
Gallup found that only 47% of Americans identify as pro-life, while a different 2022 survey found that only 40% of Americans do.
[29]↩︎
Sociologists Tim Heaton and Cardell Jacobson have found that "church attendance is negatively associated with acceptance of abortion, and this association is similar for Mormons and the national population."
For example,
- 91% of Latter-Day Saints who believe abortion should be "illegal in all/most cases" also believe in God with absolute certainty, whereas only 76% of LDS who believe abortion should be "legal in all/most cases" do.
- 91% of LDS in the "illegal" camp say religion is "very important" in their life, whereas only 64% of the "legal" camp do.
- 85% of LDS in the "illegal" camp attend church once a week, whereas only 55% of the "legal" camp do.
- 89% of LDS in the "illegal" camp pray "at least daily," whereas only 76% of the "legal" camp do.
- Pew Research shows that most LDS take a pro-life position; 70% believe it should be "illegal in all/most cases."
- Survey data show that American Mormons are more pro-life than the general public.
[30]↩︎
A 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center showed "that large numbers of Americans favor certain restrictions on access to abortions" and that their "attitudes are contingent upon such circumstances as when an abortion takes place during a woman’s pregnancy."
- Pew Research provides survey data on Americans' opinions about abortion; 71% want restrictions on abortion.
[31]↩︎
The Marist poll found:
- 12% of Americans believe "abortion should be allowed only during the first six months of a pregnancy." (This time frame is similar to most European countries.)
- 22% believe it "should be allowed only during the first three months of a pregnancy."
- 28% believe it "should be allowed only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother."
- 9% believe it "should be allowed only to save the life of the mother."
- 12% believe it "should never be permitted under any circumstance."
- KoC/Marist Poll provides survey data on Americans' opinions about abortion; 83% want some form of restriction on abortion.
- Statista chart showing the legal time frame for abortion in European countries (by weeks); typically 12 weeks.
[32]↩︎
The survey was of 10,441 U.S. adults from March 7-13, 2022.
- Pew Research provides survey data on Americans' opinions about abortion; 71% want restrictions on abortion.
[33]↩︎
President Oaks explained:
Our war to secure agency was won. The test in this postwar mortal estate is not to secure choice but to use it—to choose good instead of evil so that we can achieve our eternal goals. In mortality, choice is a method, not a goal. . . . We are accountable for our choices, and only righteous choices will move us toward our eternal goals.
He added, "We must stand up for the right choice."
And President Nelson stated:
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 were involved.
[34]↩︎
The Gospel Principles manual specifies that members should refrain from work, give attention to spiritual matters, and abstain from certain types of activities:
Our prophets have told us that we should not shop, hunt, fish, attend sports events, or participate in similar activities on that day.
- Gospel Principles manual specifies behavior on the Sabbath.
[35]↩︎
The Gospel Principles manual, in chapter 29, describes the dietary code of the Word of Wisdom and its purpose. It notes that the Word of Wisdom includes prohibitions against alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
- Gospel Principles manual lays out "the Lord's law of health."
[36]↩︎
Chapter 39 of the Gospel Principles manual describes the law of chastity:
We are to have sexual relations only with our spouse to whom we are legally married. No one, male or female, is to have sexual relations before marriage. After marriage, sexual relations are permitted only with our spouse.
- Gospel Principles manual describes the Law of Chastity and Abortion.
[37]↩︎
The Gospel Topics essay on Birth Control clarifies the Church's position:
Husband and wife are encouraged to pray and counsel together as they plan their families. Issues to consider include the physical and mental health of the mother and father and their capacity to provide the basic necessities of life for their children. Decisions about birth control and the consequences of those decisions rest solely with each married couple.
- Gospel Topics essay on Birth Control.
[38]↩︎
According to the Church's policy, "When needed, reproductive technology can assist a married woman and man in their righteous desire to have children. This technology includes artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization."
The Church stipulates that it discourages (but does not forbid) use of donor sperm or donor eggs in this process, but doesn't say anything about discarding fertilized eggs.
- Church policies on fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
[39]↩︎
In the Church's Gospel Principles manual used to teach potential converts and recent converts to the Church, we read that "If a man and a woman break the law of chastity and conceive a child, they may be tempted to commit another abominable sin: abortion," with the manual adding that "There is seldom any justifiable reason for abortion."
- Gospel Principles manual describes the Law of Chastity and Abortion.
- Gospel Principles manual describes the Law of Chastity and Abortion.
[40]↩︎
In the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we read the following:
Authorization from the mission president is required before a person can be baptized if he or she has ever: Committed a serious crime (see 38.2.8.8). Participated in an abortion (see 38.6.1). In these cases, the mission president interviews the person. If necessary, the mission president may authorize one of his counselors to conduct the interview. He gives this authorization separately for each interview. The counselor who conducts it reports to the mission president, who may then authorize or deny the baptism and confirmation.
- General Handbook states that one must receive authorization from the mission president if the baptismal candidate participated in an abortion.