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Forever Families

Affirming and Supporting the Sanctity of Life

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Latter-Day Saints Perspective

Life is a sacred gift from God. The Family: A Proclamation to the World affirms the sanctity of human life and its importance in God's plan for the happiness of his children

One of the ways we deepen our reverence for human life and for the Creator is by guarding life from the moment of conception. Unfortunately, innocent human life is often not cherished but is destroyed. This is the tragedy of abortion.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is either the premature, involuntary expulsion of a fetus from the mother's womb (a miscarriage) or the deliberate termination of life by forcibly removing a developing child from its mother's womb. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, abortion means to "cut off the existence of someone" or to "cause someone to disappear."

The Alan Guttmacher Institute estimates that in the United States from 1973 to 1996, about 34 million abortions were deliberately induced. During the 1980s and 1990s, about 1.5 million abortions were performed each year. In more recent years the number of abortions has declined somewhat but still remains high. About 49% of all pregnancies are unintended, and more than half of these are terminated by abortion. In rare cases, an emergency abortion is performed to save the mother's life. In addition, some victims of incest or rape who become pregnant choose to abort.

Elective abortion, or abortion-on-demand, refers to the voluntary destruction of a fetus for nonemergency or nonmedical reasons. This practice gives a woman the right to take away the life of an unborn child based on her social, emotional, personal, psychological, or financial concerns. Elective abortion denies the sanctity of life and undermines the traditional family roles of motherhood, fatherhood, childhood, brotherhood, and sisterhood.

Why are Elective Abortions Performed?

The vast majority of women who seek abortions, about 75%, do so for reasons of convenience. These women say having a child would cut into their work life, social life, or other responsibilities. Most women who have abortions are single and don't wish to raise a child alone. Other women feel they aren't prepared or emotionally mature enough to raise a child.

Many people who argue in favor of abortion-on-demand do not consider the fetus a human being. However, many medical scholars join the majority of religious leaders who affirm that human life begins at conception. In 1981, during U.S. Senate hearings on abortion, Dr. Hymie Gordon, chairman of the Department of Genetics at the Mayo Clinic, testified: "By all the criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception." Dr. Alfred Bongiovanni of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine said at the hearings: "I am no more prepared to say that these early stages represent an incomplete human being than I would to say that the child prior to the dramatic effects of puberty . . . is not a human being."

Religious leader Russell M. Nelson, also an internationally renowned heart surgeon, has said:

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. . . . A continuum of growth results in a new human being. The onset of life is not a debatable issue, but a fact of science. Approximately twenty-two days after the two cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At twenty-six days the circulation of blood begins. Scripture declares that the "life of the flesh is in the blood." Abortion sheds that innocent blood".2

In rare instances an abortion is justified, such as when the life or health of the mother is in jeopardy, when the fetus has severe defects that will not allow it to survive beyond birth, or when pregnancy result from incest or rape and carrying the child to term would create serious emotional trauma for the mother. But because human life is so sacred, even these cases demand serious, prayerful consideration and consultation with clergy.

What are the Effects of Abortion?

Abortions bring with them increased health risks, both physical and emotional. Physically, risks include infection, bleeding, uterus complications, cervical injury, and increased risk of breast cancer. Emotionally, risks include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, self-doubt, and regret. Abortion is also linked with depression in women. One large study reported that two years after an abortion, one-fifth of the 1,177 women surveyed felt "substantial depression."

Some scholars have found that some women who have elective abortions are less likely to bond with their next child. A failure to bond often leads to neglect, expressed in part by inattention to a child's physical and emotional needs. Children without secure attachments to their mothers face higher risk of a variety of difficulties during childhood and later on as adults.

Fathers can also be affected by abortion. One study shows that in some cases fathers of aborted children become even more depressed than their partner who received the abortion. When this happens, the man's ability to support his partner in her post-abortion adjustment can be significantly compromised.

How Can I Support the Sacredness of Life?

Dr. Cynthia Hallen of Brigham Young University offers several ways every person can support the sacredness of life:1

  • Remain chaste before marriage and faithful after marriage. Because unwed pregnancies often lead to elective abortions, abstaining from sex before marriage and remaining faithful after marriage are two of the most important things anyone can do to preserve the sanctity of life.
  • Support women and men facing unwanted pregnancies. Couples or individuals experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, especially those who are very young, often face overwhelming emotional, social, and financial challenges. These challenges can become a motive for abortion. Thus if you act as a resource for people in this situation, you can help uphold the sanctity of life. Approximately 4,000 crisis pregnancy agencies in the United States offer solutions for problem pregnancies, including adoption. These agencies almost always need volunteers.
  • Become informed about life-related issues. Study articles written by legal scholars who support the sanctity of life and identify persuasive arguments. One excellent article written from the perspective of family law is "Mediating the Polar Extremes: A Guide to Post-Webster Abortion Policy," published in the 1991 Brigham Young University Law Review. Professional organizations such as Americans United for Life (www.unitedforlife.org) and University Faculty for Life http://www.uffl.org/) are also helpful resources.
  • Recognize the trauma of abortion and provide support. Those who have already chosen abortion and their partners and families may be experiencing grief and other kinds of psychological pain. Providing support and directing those who are suffering to appropriate resources is another way of recognizing the sanctity of life.

For additional ideas to preserve the sanctity of life, see the book Why Can't We Love Them Both: Questions and Answers About Abortion , by John and Barbara Willke.

Written by Vjollca Martinson and Andrew Tegeder, Research Assistants, and edited by Stephen F. Duncan, Professor, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

References

  1. Hallen, C. L. (2000). The sanctity and importance of human life. In D. Dollahite (Ed.), Strengthening our Families: An In-depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family (pp. 206–214). Salt Lake City, UT: Bookcraft.
  2. Nelson, R. M. (1985, May). Reverence for life. Ensign, 11­–14.

Abortion has been debated for centuries. In the United States, the controversy has grown hotter since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 1973 legalizing abortion. Usually, people who argue about this topic focus on a woman's rights vs. an unborn child's rights. Less common is discussion about the physical and psychological consequences of abortion for the woman and her family. Researchers are finding more and more negative results. Anyone considering an abortion should closely examine all possible consequences.

Overview of Risks

Research shows abortions cause increased health risks, both physically and emotionally. Physically, women face a higher risk of infections, bleeding, uterus complications, cervical injury, and breast cancer.5,8 Emotionally, women are at higher risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and self-doubt.22,3 Post-abortion fallout can spill over into the family. For example, women who have abortions may have difficulty bonding with future children.9

Definition of Abortion

There are three types of abortion: spontaneous, induced, and therapeutic. Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, occurs when an embryo or fetus dies in the womb and then is expelled from the body.23 Induced abortion, or elective abortion, is the voluntary termination of a pregnancy for non-medical reasons by removing a fetus from the womb. Therapeutic abortion is the deliberate ending of a pregnancy because the mother's life or health is in danger.23 The vast majority of abortions are elective.1

Historical Background

Abortion became legal in the United States on January 22, 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court made abortion legal in its Roe v. Wade decision.24 The plaintiff in this case was a pregnant Texan woman who sought an abortion. She claimed that state law preventing her from getting an abortion violated her right to privacy, and the Court agreed.

In the Roe decision, the Supreme Court divided pregnancy into three semesters or "trimesters." Its ruling stated that during the first trimester, a woman can legally have an induced abortion for any reason. During the second trimester, the government can interfere only if the health of the mother is in jeopardy. During the third trimester, when the fetus is considered "viable," or able to live outside its mother's womb, abortions can be regulated by each state. States can disallow all abortions during the third trimester "except when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother".24

The Supreme Court ruling in Doe v. Bolton clarified the meaning of "health," saying that health must be defined "in light of all factors--physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age—relevant to the well being of the patient".25 The health provision applies up until the day a woman delivers, giving expectant mothers wide latitude to argue their case for receiving an abortion no matter how far along their pregnancy may be. This broad, open definition of health concerns many who oppose abortion.

In recent years, improved medical techniques have helped premature babies survive at increasingly younger ages, making Roe's trimester approach obsolete.10 In 1992 the Supreme Court rejected the trimester scheme and ruled that age of viability determines when the government can begin to impose restrictions on abortions.26

Abortion Statistics

The Alan Guttmacher Institute estimates that in the United States from 1973 to 1996, about 34 million abortions were deliberately induced.1 During the 1980s and 1990s, about 1.5 million abortions were performed each year. In more recent years the number of abortions has declined somewhat but still remains high. About 49% of all pregnancies are unintended, and more than half of these are terminated by abortion.

Women seek abortions for a variety of reasons. The vast majority, about 75%, do so for reasons of convenience. These women say having a child would cut into their work life, social life, or other responsibilities.1 Most women who have abortions are also single and don't wish to raise a child alone. Other women feel they aren't prepared or emotionally mature enough to raise a child. In rare cases, an emergency abortion is performed to save the mother's life. In addition, some victims of incest or rape who become pregnant choose to abort. These cases number about 14,000 per year, a very small percentage of all women who receive abortions annually.1

The cost of an abortion varies. In 1997 at 10 weeks gestation, the average price was $316.1 Few abortions are publicly funded. Medicaid, the U.S. federal health program for the poor, will not pay for abortions unless a mother's life is in danger or the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. Sixteen states fund abortions for poor women, accounting for about 14% of abortions.1 The Alan Guttmacher Institute estimates that without publicly funded family services, an additional 1.3 million unplanned pregnancies would occur each year, with about 632,000 of those ending in abortion.

Physical Consequences of Abortion for Women

Abortion can affect women negatively, both physically and emotionally. More than one hundred potential complications have been associated with induced abortion.20 Normal complications can include "minor infections, bleeding, fevers, chronic abdominal pain, gastro-intestinal disturbances, and vomiting".19,3 Less frequent and more serious complications can include infections, excessive bleeding, ripping or perforation of the uterus, hemorrhage, and cervical injury.19 A first trimester abortion can result in bacterial vaginitis, which leads to pelvic inflammatory disorder or PID.13 PID is a serious condition that must be treated quickly. It causes many further complications, including a higher risk of tubal pregnancy. Research shows a 30% increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after one induced abortion and a 160% increased risk after two or more abortions.14,17

Another serious complication of abortion is a higher risk of placenta previa in future pregnancies. This disorder can cause life-threatening bleeding. One study shows a 600% increased risk of placenta previa following abortion.5 Induced abortion can also result in cervical damage, which increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and labor complications in later pregnancies.11,20

Recent studies also show that there may be a link between abortion and a woman's risk of contracting breast cancer—known as the ABC link. A study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center showed that among women experiencing abortion "who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer was 50% higher than among other women".8 The same study reported that women who received an abortion before 18 have a 150% higher risk of breast cancer. An abortion after the age of 30 puts the risk 110% higher.8 These studies are not conclusive, and more research is needed, but those who conducted the studies believe the information at hand is enough to constitute "an ethical and legal duty" to inform women about the breast cancer risk an abortion poses.8,12,15,18

Emotional Consequences of Abortion for Women

While many women are satisfied with their decision to have an abortion, especially those who hold pro-choice views, others experience feelings of guilt, sadness, regret, or anger.3 In one study, 260 women were surveyed nearly eleven years after their abortions, and 51 percent reported experiencing a "dramatic personality change" following their abortions.21 For 79%, the change was negative. Other results showed that many women had strong feelings of remorse and regret for having an abortion. Some reported increases in nightmares or feeling nervous around babies and small children.22

Those who have an abortion also risk developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is psychological dysfunction caused by a traumatic experience, such as seeing or taking part in a violent death.22 This disorder causes fear, feeling a loss of control, and feelings of being trapped or helpless.22 One study found that 19% of post-abortion women suffer from diagnosable PTSD.4 Women who believe they were forced into having an abortion or those who feel deeply guilty about having an abortion are more likely to develop PTSD.

Effects of Abortion on Families

The negative effects of abortion don't arise only in the women involved. Fathers, families, partners, and children can all experience fallout from abortion. Especially disturbing is the potential effect an abortion can have on future children. According to researchers who analyzed four studies, some women who have had abortions are less likely to bond with their next child.9 This failure to form a strong mother-child bond can lead to neglect.9 Because of this finding, the researchers suggest that abortion, either directly or indirectly, may promote child neglect or abuse by: (1) making it harder to form a bond between the child and parents, (2) decreasing the amount of physical contact the child receives, (3) causing the partner to be less supportive of the mother, and (4) creating feelings of grief in the mother that make her less aware of and less able to respond to a child's needs.9 In cases where these consequences surface, abortion proves to be a devastating event for a family.

The effects of abortion on fathers has largely been ignored, and more research is needed.16 The small amount of research completed to date suggests several significant negative effects. One study shows that some fathers of aborted children become more depressed than their partner who received the abortion, making them less able to support their partner in her post-abortion adjustment.16

Adoption as an Alternative to Abortion

Tens of thousands of people in the United States want to adopt newborns, but because so many women abort their unwanted children, few infants are available. A 1995 survey of U.S. women ages 18-44 showed that 9.9 million women had considered adoption, 1.6 million had taken steps to adopt, and 487,000 had adopted one or more children.7

Thousands of clinics and organizations around the country help women with unwanted pregnancies, offering services that range from in-house care to counseling. The National Crisis Pregnancy Hotline (at 1-800-521-5530) is a clearinghouse for these centers.

Teaching Children About the Sanctity of Life

Parents can teach their children about the sanctity of life in many ways. They include:

  • Express gratitude for life. Tell your children how thankful you are for your own life and for each of their lives. Explain that your reverence for life is one reason you decided to have children. Life isn't something that can be manufactured and bought at a store.
  • Express gratitude for your children. Tell your children often how much they mean to you. When the opportunity arises, explain how each of their lives contributes to your own. Emphasize that human beings and our relationships with one another are more valuable than any possession and should never be discarded.
  • Take care of yourself. Live in a healthy way so you can show by example that you appreciate and reverence life.

Talking with Someone Considering Abortion

You might find yourself in a situation where a friend, colleague, or family member is considering abortion. Here are ideas about how to talk with a person under these circumstances:

  • Be understanding. Anyone considering an abortion is under tremendous emotional stress and needs sympathy and understanding. Gently point out that abortions are irreversible and that other options exist. Offer to help financially or with the adoption process.
  • Explain abortion's harmful effects. Many women considering abortion don't realize the possible short-term and long-term negative effects of abortion. Help them see these negative effects and help them understand that they ripple outward, possibly harming not only them but also the child's father and other family members.
  • Communicate the idea that an aborted child's potential contribution to the world is lost forever. Stopping a life before it starts makes it impossible for that person to raise a family and influence others.
  • In the case of a defective fetus, point out the contributions of disabled people. Some people argue that abortion should be endorsed when an unborn child is known to be defective or deformed. But we cannot know in advance how deformities will or will not limit a person's life. Helen Keller, for example, though blind and deaf, led an amazingly courageous life and made a profound contribution to the world.

Supporting the Sacredness of Life

Dr. Cynthia Hallen of Brigham Young University offers several ways every person can support the sacredness of life (pp. 210-214):10

  • Remain chaste before marriage and faithful after marriage. Because unwed pregnancies often lead to elective abortions, abstaining from sex before marriage and remaining faithful after marriage are two of the most important things anyone can do to preserve the sanctity of life.
  • Support women and men facing unwanted pregnancies. Couples or individuals experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, especially those who are very young, often face overwhelming emotional, social, and financial challenges. These challenges can become a motive for abortion. Thus if you act as a resource for people in this situation, you can help uphold the sanctity of life. Approximately 4,000 crisis pregnancy agencies in the United States offer solutions for problem pregnancies, including adoption. These agencies almost always need volunteers.
  • Become informed about life-related issues. Study articles written by legal scholars who support the sanctity of life and identify persuasive arguments. One excellent article written from the perspective of family law is "Mediating the Polar Extremes: A Guide to Post-Webster Abortion Policy," published in the 1991 Brigham Young University Law Review. Professional organizations such as Americans United for Life (www.unitedforlife.org) and University Faculty for Life (http://www.uffl.org/) also provide helpful resources.
  • Recognize the trauma of abortion and provide support. For those who have already chosen abortion, their partners and families may be experiencing grief and other kinds of psychological pain. Providing support and directing those who are suffering to appropriate resources is another way of recognizing the sanctity of life.

For additional ideas to preserve the sanctity of life, see the book Why Can't We Love Them Both: Questions and Answers About Abortion , by John and Barbara Willke.

Written by Andrew Tegeder, Research Assistant, and edited by Stephen F. Duncan, Professor, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

Additional Reading

Why can't we love them both: Questions and answers about abortion, by John C. Willke and Barbara H. Willke. Hayes Publishing Company, 1997.

Forbidden grief: The unspoken pain of abortion, by Theresa Burke and David C. Reardon.Acorn Books, 2002.

Helpful Websites

Abortion Facts: Provides information about many different aspects involving abortion.www.abortionfacts.com

The Elliot Institute: Provides information about post-abortion considerations and care.www.afterabortion.org

References

  1. Alan Guttmacher Institute. (2000). Induced abortion: Revised 2/2000. The Alan Guttmacher Institute.
  2. Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1997). Late-term abortions: Legal considerations. Alan Guttmacher Institute.
  3. Baker, A. (1995). Abortion and options counseling: A comprehensive reference. Granite City: Hope Clinic for Women.
  4. Barnard, C. (1990). The long-term psychological effects of abortion. Portsmouth: Institute for pregnancy loss.
  5. Barrett, J. M., Boehm, F. H., & Killam, A. P. (1981). Induced abortion: A risk factor for placenta previa. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 141(7), 769-772.
  6. Beckwith, F. Roe v Wade: Abortion on Demand.
  7. Chandra, A., Abma, J., Maza, P., & Bachrach, C. (11 May 1999). Adoption, adoption seeking, and relinquishment for adoption in the United States. Advance Data, 306. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
  8. Daling, J. R., & Malone, K. E. (1994). Risk of breast cancer among young women: Relationship to induced abortion. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 86(21), 1584-1591.
  9. Fung, T., Ney, P. G., & Wickett, A. R. (1995). Relationship between induced abortion and child abuse and neglect: Four studies. In P. Doherty (Ed.), Post-abortion syndrome: It's wide ramifications (pp. 83-101). Cambridge, Great Britain: Four Courts Press.
  10. Hallen, C. (2000). The sanctity and importance of human life. In D. C. Dollahite (Ed.), Strengthening the family: An in-depth look at the proclamation on the family (pp. 206-214). Salt Lake City, UT: Bookcraft.
  11. Harlap, S., & Davies, A. M. (1975). Late sequelae of induced abortion: complications and outcome of pregnancy and labor. American Journal of Epidemiology, 102(1), 217-224.
  12. Kindley, J. (2000). Abortion, breast cancer, and informed consent. Issues in Law and Medicine 15(3), 243-291.
  13. Larsson, P.-G., Platz-Christensen, J. J., Thejls, H., Forsum, U., & Påhlson, C. (1992). Incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease after first trimester legal abortion in women with bacterial vaginosis after treatment with metronidazole: A double-blind, randomized study. American Journal of Ostetrics and Gynecology, 166(3), 100-103.
  14. Levin, A. A., Schoenbaum, S. C., Stubblefield, P. G., Zimicki, S., Monson, R. R., & Ryan, K. J. (1982). Ectopic pregnancy and prior induced abortion. American Journal of Public Health, 72(3), 253-256.
  15. Lipworth, L. et al. (1995). Abortion and risk of breast cancer: a cancer-control study in Greece. International Journal of Cancer, 61, 181-184.
  16. Major, B., Cozzarelli, C., & Testa, M. (1992). Male partners' appraisals of undesired pregnancy and abortion: Implications for women's adjustment to abortion. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 22, 599-614.
  17. Mäkinen, J. I., Errokola, R. U., & Laippala, P. J. (1989). Causes of the increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 160(3), 642-646.
  18. Newcomb, P., Storer, B., Longnecker, M., Mittendorf, R., Greenberg, R., & Millet, W. (1996). Pregnancy termination and risk of breast cancer. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 275(4), 283-287.
  19. Reardon, D. C. (1987). Aborted women—silent no more. Chicago: Loyola University Press.
  20. Reardon, D. C. (1990) The aftereffects of abortion. Elliot Institute. www.afterabortion.org
  21. Reardon, D. C. (1994). Psychological reactions reported after abortion. The Post-abortion Review, 2(3), 4-8.
  22. Reardon, D. C. (1997). A list of major psychological sequelae of abortion. Elliot Institute. www.afterabortion.org
  23. Reyes, A. (22 May 2000). Abortion—emotional aspects. www.healthanswers.com
  24. United States Supreme Court. (1973a). Roe v Wade. 410 U.S. Supreme Court.
  25. United States Supreme Court. (1973b). Doe v Bolton. 410 U.S. Supreme Court.
  26. United States Supreme Court. (1992). Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v Casey. 505 U.S. Supreme Court.

More than two thousand years ago during his earthly ministry, the Savior saw our day. He prophesied that in the latter days, human warmth and sensitivity would diminish. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12). Abortion is one of the many ways love is growing cold in our world today. "It is evidence of people drifting further and further away from our Father in Heaven's counsel".1

Gaining a body and earthly experience are essential to God's eternal plan, but both these sacred components of mortality are interfered with very seriously when individuals choose to have an abortion. The Family: A Proclamation to the World teaches us that in the premortal realm, we all "knew and worshiped God . . . and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life" (¶ 3; emphasis added). Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "[Life] is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is eternal, as he is eternal. Innocent life is not sent by him to be destroyed!".6

In the 1995 October general conference, Elder Lynn A. Michelsen stated, "We are created in the image of God. The union of the flesh with the spirit can bring us a fullness of joy. [Parents], teach your children to respect the sanctity of human life, to reverence it and cherish it. Human life is the precious stepping-stone to eternal life, and we must jealously guard it from the moment of conception".5 When parents teach their children that each of us is a child of God, a respect for human life begins to grow within children's hearts.

LDS Position on Abortion

The Church has issued several statements opposing abortion. Early in his presidency, President Spencer W. Kimball (1985) stated, "We decry abortions and ask our people to refrain from this serious transgression". A statement in the March 1973 Ensign clearly stated Church policy: "The Church opposes abortion as 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 the rare cases where, in the opinion of competent medical counsel, the life or health of the woman is in jeopardy or the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape. Even then, the woman should consider an abortion only after counseling with her husband and bishop or branch president, and receiving divine confirmation through prayer".7

Forgiveness for Abortion

Though abortion is a serious sin, it is not unforgivable. A statement in the December 1984 Ensign concluded by saying, "As far as has been revealed, a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion".1

President Spencer W. Kimball cautioned that members not forget the seriousness of abortion: "While forgiveness [for abortion] may be possible, the road back is long and difficult. Do not be deceived; wickedness never will lead to happiness. Some of God's most sacred commandments are violated when a person trifles or interferes with any of the processes of reproduction" (quoted in Hallen, 2000, p. 210).2

Many Are Affected

While repentance and forgiveness are possible, the consequences of abortion remain. A woman is deceiving herself if she thinks an abortion in secret won't affect others. Elder Boyd K. Packer stated, "In or out of marriage, abortion is not an individual choice. At a minimum, three lives are involved".2 Beyond family members, even friends and communities are often affected.

Alternatives to Abortion

President Hinckley stated, "There will be those who . . . discover to their shock and dismay that they are to become parents, while they are scarcely older than children themselves. Abortion is not the answer. This only compounds the problem. It is an evil and repulsive escape that will someday bring regret and remorse. . . . When marriage is not possible, experience has shown that adoption, difficult though this may be for the young mother, may afford a greater opportunity for the child to live a life of happiness".3

This prophetic advice extends beyond young mothers to mothers of all ages and circumstances. Through adoption, not only is a precious life saved and a mother's peace preserved, but couples who are unable to have biological children can be eternally blessed.

Written by Jennifer Crockett, Research Assistant, and edited by Stephen F. Duncan, Professor, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

References

  1. Evans, W. S. (1984, December). I have a question. Ensign, 45-48.
  2. Hallen, C. L. (2000). The sanctity and importance of human life. In D. C. Dollahite (Ed.), Strengthening our families: An in-depth look at the proclamation on the family (pp. 206-214). Salt Lake City, UT: Bookcraft.
  3. Hinckley, G. B. (1994, November). Save the children. Ensign, 52.
  4. Kimball, S. W. (1975, November). The time to labor is now. Ensign, 6.
  5. Mickelsen, L. A. (1995, November). Eternal laws of happiness. Ensign, 78.
  6. Nelson, R. M. (1985, May). Reverance for life. Ensign, 11-14.
  7. News of the Church (1973, March). Abortion is considered a "revolting sin" by church. Ensign, 64.