With the UK Parliament considering reforms to the legislation on abortion, The Europe North Area Presidency has felt it timely and necessary to re-articulate the Church’s position on this sensitive issue:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life. Therefore, the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions.
The Church allows for possible exceptions for its members when:
- Pregnancy results from rape or incest, or
- A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or
- A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.
Even these exceptions do not automatically justify abortion. Abortion is a most serious matter. It should be considered only after the persons responsible have received confirmation through prayer. Members may counsel with their bishops as part of this process.
The Church’s position on this matter remains unchanged. As states work to enact laws related to abortion, Church members may appropriately choose to participate in efforts to protect life and to preserve religious liberty.[1]
Additional Resources
This position was recently re-emphasised by Elder Neil L. Anderson, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in a recent address to church members. This can be found here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/21andersen?lang=eng[1] https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/official-statement/abortion