Petition Text: 20184-CS-71-D

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Amend ¶71H:

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...

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Petition Text: 20184-CS-71-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference