I was deeply touched by the article in this month’s Ensign written by Elder Russell M. Nelson entitled, “Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always stood against abortion, and in this article, Elder Nelson reiterates the Church’s policy and reminds us of the sanctity of life.
He begins by mentioning the statistics of the men and women who were killed in action in World War I and II. Together, those wars saw over thirty million soldiers felled in defense of our country. That is a lot of death. And yet, today’s statistics are even more startling. Every year, forty million abortions are performed worldwide.
Elder Nelson says, “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.”
We are reminded that the Lord commanded us, “Thou shalt not kill.” The commandment goes on, “Nor do anything like unto it.” This commandment is not new. It has been in existence since the dawn of time.
The Church position is this, as stated by President Spencer W. Kimball: “We have repeatedly affirmed the position of the Church in unalterably opposing all abortions, except in two rare instances: when conception is the result of forcible rape and when competent medical counsel indicates that a mother’s health would otherwise be seriously jeopardized.” Since then, the Church has added two other exceptions—incest and if the baby cannot survive beyond birth. But in each of these cases, the parents are urged to make the decision a matter of fasting and prayer, not something to enter into lightly.
Many law makers would argue about when life actually begins. A medical professional, Elder Nelson states that he was taught in medical school that life begins when two cells join together to create one cell. A new DNA complex is formed. This is life. And only twenty-two days after that, the heart begins to beat. He says, “To legislate when a developing life is considered ‘meaningful’ is presumptive and quite arbitrary, in my opinion.”
Adoption is the Church-recommended alternative to abortion. Many loving couples are waiting to adopt at this time, and there is no need to destroy a life when there are those waiting to become parents.
Repentance is possible for those who have had abortions in the past. According to the Church Handbook, “a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion.”
Elder Nelson closes with his testimony that life is precious, and all life is a gift from God. It is given by Him and He should determine when it ends. “Life is eternal, as He is eternal.”
Related Blogs:
The Church’s Program on Adoption
Why Do Mormons Preach Abstinence?
Photo courtesy of Sharon and Morguefile.
Tristi Pinkston is a full-time blogger at Families.com. Click here to read more of her articles.