Petition Text: 20976-CS-71-D

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Amend ¶ 71H:

[Second sentence] ...when and even whether new individuals will be born. Human life begins in the womb at conception. God creates, forms, and is intimately involved with the unborn child. God's purpose for the individual begins to be fulfilled before birth. Therefore, because of our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life, we do not approve of abortion. Devastating damage results from abortion, not only death for the unborn baby, but also emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual side effects, and sometimes death, for the mother. Abortion is not a safe procedure. We unconditionally reject abortion as a means of gender selection and as a means of birth control. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But 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 pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We cannot affirm 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 abortion. We call for the Church to provide nurturing ministries to those persons who terminate a pregnancy. We encourage the Church to provide nurturing ministries to those who give birth. Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. We call all Christians to follow God's law to defend and to seek to preserve the life of the unborn child. We are also called to minister to women who are in crisis pregnancies and to minister to and evangelize those involved in past abortion. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel.

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Petition Text: 20976-CS-71-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference