H) Abortion.----
The
beginning of life and the ending of life are the God-
given
boundaries of human existence. While individuals have always had some degree of
control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine
when and even whether new individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity
of unborn human life makes us reluctant unable to
approve abortion. But However, we are equally bound to
respect the sacredness of the life and well-
being
of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an
unacceptable eminently life threatening pregnancy. In
continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life
with life that may justify abortion warrant the termination
of a pregnancy, and in such cases support the legal option of
abortion under proper medical procedures leave that decision up to
each individual as they seek God's guidance, and the advice of their physician,
pastor, and family. We cannot affirm unconditionally
reject abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we
unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection. We call all
Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions
that may warrant cause one to consider abortion...
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20184-CS-71-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference