Defending the Sanctity of Human Life

     The topic of abortion, specifically elective abortion, has been a polarizing topic in the United States and around the world for decades. With the recent Supreme Court decision overruling its previous precedence in the case of Roe v. Wade, abortion is once again at the center of public debate. With so many polarizing views and myriad of voices speaking on this topic, it can be easy to become overwhelmed as a young adult in today's society when determining where to stand on such an issue. However, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides valuable knowledge concerning the sanctity of life and the evils associated with purely elective abortions. 

    As The Proclamation states, "We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan." Heavenly Father has made it clear through the teachings of His servants that abortion is harmful and directly contradicts the sacred teachings of the sanctity and divinity of each life. While do to our faith we may share a deep faith in the sanctity of human life, it is important to note that many do nor share a faith in God or Christ leading them to believe abortion, in specific instances is moral. This leads to questioning about appropriate and legal ways to support the sacred nature of life. Thankfully, there are many things young adults within the church can be doing in order to help the evils perpetuated by elective abortions. These things include, but are not limited to: 

  • Personally live a chaste life that reflects an understanding of the sacredness of life 
  • Offer financial support when able to children born in less than ideal family/parent situations 
  • Educate yourself on the local/state laws concerning abortions where you live 
  • Appropriately and respectfully defend the sacredness of life to others 
  • Offer support and aid to those dealing with the psychological consequences of receiving an abortion 
  • Deepen your personal testimony of the restored gospel and the sanctity of life 
    Abortion will likely continue to be one of the main ways in which the adversary attempts to derail the plan of salvation. However, as we as young adults, the future leaders of the church, recognize and fight against the evils of abortion we will lessen the adversary's ability and success in his attacks on the sanctity of human life. By actively speaking out against abortion we are in essence becoming a defender of the faith. 
  

Works Cited: 

Successful Marriages & Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives by A. Hawkins, D. Dollahite, & T. Draper.

Brigham Distributing, 1st Edition. 2011

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