The Sanctity and Importance of Human Life We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan. Proclamation, ¶ 5 Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it. D&C 59:6 [W]e reaffirm that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has consistently opposed elective abortion. First Presidency Statement, 1991

A Serious War And this is what is the greatest destroyer of peace today – abortion, which brings people to such blindness. By abortion, the mother kills her own child to solve her problems. And, by abortion, the father is told that he does not take any responsibility at all for the child he has brought into the world. That father is likely to put other women into the same trouble. So abortion leads to abortion. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love but to use violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. Mother Teresa, 1996 Major US Losses# Of Casualties Combined Civil War ( )498,332 World War II ( )405,399 Vietnam War ( )90,198 Terrorist Attacks, 11 Sept 20012,800+ Elective Abortions PER YEAR (1980's and 1990's) 1,500,000

The Facts of Life and Death in the United States About half of unintended US pregnancies are terminated by abortion. (about half of all US pregnancies are unintended.) Every year, about 2% of US women ages have an abortion. An estimated 43% of women will have at least one abortion by age 45. More than 80% are unmarried More than half (about 56%) are in their 20’s About 2/3 (61%) have previously given birth, about half (48%)have had previous abortions. In 2000, 131 million abortions took place in the US. (An estimated million abortions occurred worldwide.) 88% of abortions occur in the first trimester. There are multiple reasons for abortion, the most common include: Finances unwanted responsibility/change problems with partner/unmarried

Risks of Abortion Complications in Future Pregnancies % of women experience complications in future pregnancies. Complications include: excessive bleeding, premature delivery, cervical damage, and sterility. (Acta/Obstetrics and Gynecology Scandinavia 1979; 58:491-4) Breast Cancer - One source indicated a 140% increase risk following an abortion. (British Journal of Cancer 1981; ) Placenta Previa - a condition producing extremely severe, life threatening bleeding in future pregnancies. Statistics show a 600% increased risk following abortion. (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1981; 141:769-72) Mental Health - A study of how parents emotionally handle the abortion of a handicapped baby reported maternal depression of 92% and paternal depression of 82%, plus a 30% incidence of marital separation after the abortion. ( Blumberg et al., “Psychiatric Sequelae of Abortion for Genetic Indication,” American Journal of OB/GYN, vol. 122, no. 7, Aug. 1975, pp )

What is the US Law? 1973 Roe v. Wade women have a federal constitutionally protected right to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy before “viability” (30 weeks) free from government interference states can regulate medical procedures related to abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy in the interests of maternal health after viability, states could regulate or prevent abortion unless a doctor found the mother’s life or health to be in danger 1973 Doe v. Bolton legally defined health of mother as including all factors (physical, emotional, psychological, familial, age) “swallows” Roe v. Wade third trimester prohibition Planned Parenthood v. Casey / Webster v. Reproductive Health Services states may enact restrictions that do not create an “undue burden” for women seeking abortion. parental involvement and notification for minors (must have alternative judicial by- pass) [32 states] mandatory counseling/waiting periods [18 states] Limit private funding [4 states]

What is the Church Law, Position, and Counsel? Sexual relations are reserved for married couples who will welcome a child as a gift from God. Fertility decisions are entrusted to couples. Abortion is not an acceptable method of birth control. Elective abortion is serious sin. Those responsible, both mother and father, are subject to Church discipline. So are those who encourage, perform, or participate in abortion procedures. The Atonement of Christ makes possible repentance; ecclesiastical involvement is required. There are rare cases in which abortion is medically justified; (a) incest or rape; (b) life or health of mother is in serious jeopardy; (c) baby will not survive beyond birth. These are not automatic reasons for abortion. Couples in these situations should consult with their bishops and receive divine confirmation through prayer. The Church has not favored or opposed specific legislative proposals or public demonstrations challenging abortion. But members are encouraged as citizens “to let their voices be heard in appropriate and legal ways that will evidence their belief in the sacredness of life.”

So What Can We Do? Be an example: Don’t participate! Be informed/strengthen testimony Share information and support with others Participate in community/legal defense (nonviolently!)