Question
Gramps,
Well I was reading a comment posted LDS.org made by the President concerning abortion. He sited the severity of the action but did not render if was a sin on the heads of both the man and the woman or just the woman. I replied with a post but did not receive an answer. What say ye?
Robert
Answer
Dear Robert,
Without question, abortion is one of, if not the most polarizing topics out there today. Very, very few people are “in the middle” on this issue and it elicits vehement feelings of support or opposition. Generally speaking, it’s impossible to change minds on this topic by way of rational argument, and we hesitate to even discuss this topic because of the reaction it will surely get. However, the Church does have teachings on this topic.
According to the Church’s own website,
“Human life is a sacred gift from God. Elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God. Church members who submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions may lose their membership in the Church.” Abortion “
The language that the Church uses is clear. An elective abortion is wrong, and church members who “submit, perform, encourage, pay for or arrange for one may lose their membership in the church.” You asked in your question if abortion was a sin on both “the man and the woman or just the woman.” According to the Church, it doesn’t matter what the gender of the person is. “Anyone who submits to, performs, encourages, pays for or arranges” means “Anyone”. Male or female.
As grave a sin as abortion is, I want the readers to understand that the forgiveness of the Lord is still possible. Our current Prophet, Russel M. Nelson said,
“Is there any hope for the person who has participated in the act of abortion? Is there any hope for those who have so sinned and who now suffer heartbreak? The answer is yes! “As far as has been revealed, a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion.” We know the Lord will help all who are truly repentant.” Abortion. The Assault on the Defenseless.
Because the issue is so controversial, it is my fear that we often forget that all sins, even very grave ones, can be forgiven. This is not to dismiss or downplay the seriousness of abortion, but it is a reminder that no one is beyond the grace, love, and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.
Hope this helps.
Gramps
