Video: A Christian Perspective on Abortion (Parts I & II) - A Conversation with Pastor Lisa
With Roe vs. Wade likely to be overturned later this summer, there are strong convictions on both sides of the argument. What is the stance of the United Methodist Church? And, what Christian perspectives must be considered?
In May and June, Pastor Lisa will hosted a two parr series on the Christian perspectives of abortion and our beliefs in the United Methodist Church.
A Christian Perspective on Abortion - A Conversation with Pastor Lisa
Watch On Demand: Part I of the Conversation with Pastor Lisa
On Wednesday, May 25, Pastor Lisa hosted part I of a conversation about the Christian perspectives of abortion and our beliefs in the United Methodist Church.
Watch On Demand: Part II of the Conversation with Pastor Lisa
On Wednesday, June 1, Pastor Lisa hosted part II of a conversation about the Christian perspectives of abortion and our beliefs in the United Methodist Church.
What Is the United Methodist Church’s Stance on Abortion?
The United Methodist Church affirms the sanctity of life in these two statements in the Social Principles:
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 and the unborn child
These statements, and others, place the United Methodist position on abortion firmly on the spectrum of life-based ethics rather than choice-based ethics.
Life-based ethics place life at the center of guidance regarding situations where there may be conflicts. Life-based ethics call for as much life as possible to be honored and preserved in such situations. Choice-based ethics place the sovereignty of a person's right to choose at the center of such arguments.
United Methodists affirm the sanctity of unborn human life. We similarly understand that the pregnant woman is also a life of sacred worth, and that there are circumstances in which there may be "tragic conflicts of life versus life." In these difficult situations, abortion may offer the better way to preserve as much life as possible.
Critical to preserving life is ready access to proper medical care. This includes access to medical care when abortion may be indicated to preserve the most life possible. That is why the Social Principles affirm that "in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures by certified medical providers.”
Additional official statements of The United Methodist Church express the denomination's life-centered ethics.
The United Methodist Church does NOT affirm abortion as a means of birth control.
We also “unconditionally reject” abortion “as a means of gender selection or eugenics.
And we reject late-term abortions except where the mother's life is in danger, or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities incompatible with life
All Christians faced with such decisions are called to enter them with prayer, searching the Scriptures, and all other means of seeking God’s will, guidance, and wisdom. We also strongly encourage such persons to seek the counsel of parents, other family members, clergy, and professionals in both medicine and counseling.
When faced with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, “We particularly encourage… the option of adoption.” When a woman selects adoption as the outcome of her pregnancy for which she feels best, the Social Principles encourage churches to assist her with appropriate resources and support.
While we understand the need for women to have access to safe, legal abortions, we also “mourn and are committed to promoting the diminishment of high abortion rates.” We encourage ministries that reduce unintended pregnancies, such as sex education, access to voluntary family planning, contraception, and “initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls around the globe.”
Finally, as Christians and United Methodists, we are committed to ministering with those who have had an abortion, providing support and encouragement. Whatever situation led to a decision to abort, there is always much loss, and much need for healing.