Whereas:

MESJ is often asked about its stance on the controversial subject of abortion; AND

Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that, globally, close to one out of every four pregnancies (22%) end in abortion, for an estimated total of 46 million abortions a year; AND

These statistics suggest that unwanted pregnancies are an extremely serious social problem; AND

Where abortion is illegal, other serious social problems occur, including risks to the health or lives of women who seek "back alley" abortions, as well as adverse effects in the lives of unwanted children and their families.

And whereas:

The LDS Church takes a relatively nuanced stance towards abortion, "oppos[ing] elective abortion for personal or social convenience" (Church Handbook of Instructions, 1:157), while at the same time "distinguish[ing] abortion from murder" (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 971) and acknowledging that abortion may be "the right choice" in cases where "incest or rape was involved, or where competent medical authorities certify that the life of the mother is in jeopardy, or that a severely defective fetus cannot survive birth" (Ensign [Nov. 1990]: 84); AND

The Church denounces violence against those who seek or administer abortion (Ensign [May 1993]: 76); AND

The Church as an institution "has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion" (Church Handbook of Instructions, 1:157).

Now therefore let it be resolved that MESJ:

1.	Agrees with the Ensign contributor who stated that in "cases of abortion...[o]ur responsibilities are to be as compassionate as possible...and to leave the judging to the Lord" (Ensign [Aug. 1994]: 27).
2.	Unequivocally denounces violent attacks on abortion clinics or abortion providers.
3.	Looks forward to a day when "an abortion would be rare indeed, if at all" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 189), recognizing that this will require advances in medicine and in the means of contraception; effective family planning, including greater access to contraceptives; improved financial security for women; an end to rape, incest, and sexual abuse; and the promotion of a culture where men and women are equal partners in responsible sexual activity.

Adopted 20 July 2002
Revised 26 Apr. 2003