[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.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20976-CS-71-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference