Library
Abortion


“Abortion,” Topics and Questions (2023)

Image
family

Overview

Abortion

Overview

See the Church’s official statement on abortion on the Newsroom site.

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. Church members who submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions may lose their membership in the Church.

In today’s society, abortion has become a common practice, defended by deceptive arguments. Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion, referring to the Lord’s declaration, “Thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:6). Their counsel on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. Church members who encourage an abortion in any way may be subject to Church discipline.

Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider abortion only after receiving a confirmation through earnest prayer.

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.

Related Topics

Birth Control

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Learning Resources

General Resources

“Abortion,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.1

“Adoption Consultation and Referrals,” providentliving.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Church Magazines

“Questions and Answers: What should I do when a topic is brought up at school that goes against gospel teachings, such as abortion?” Ensign or Liahona, April 2014

“Strengthening the Family: Multiply and Replenish the Earth,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2005

In the News

“The Dignity of Human Life,” Newsroom

“Abortion,” Newsroom

Stories

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Print