Roman Catholic Church
"Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception; abortion and infanticide are the most abominable of crimes." Second Vatican Council, Encyclical Gaudium et Spes
Abortion is always wrong. Life begins at conception (or at the very least we cannot be certain that it doesn't), therefore abortion is murder. The unborn child is a sacred human life; it deserves the same respect as any other human being. Even in the case of rape, the RC Church does not support abortion - the foetus would be paying for someone else’s crime.
“Human life is sacred”. Humanae Vitae, 1968:
“The unborn human being’s right to live is one of the inalienable human rights” Pope John Paul II, 1985
"Abortion is a serious sin. Everyone, whether Catholic or not, should have a proper respect for human life." Declaration on Procured Abortion, 1974:
"From the time that the ovum is fertilised a new life is begun which is neither that of the father or the mother. It is the life of a new human being with its own growth. It would never become human if it were not human already" Declaration on Procured Abortion (1974)
Church of England
Abortion is an evil to be avoided if possible, but can be justified in 3 circumstances:
- Risk to the mother’s life or her mental and physical health.
- The baby is likely to have a serious disability and the mother feels she can't cope.
- Rape.
"Although the foetus is to be specially respected and protected, nonetheless the life of the foetus is not absolutely sacrosanct if it endangers the life of the mother."
Church of England - Board of Social Responsibility Report 1984
The Church of England does not morally agree with abortion, but often accepts it may be the only way forward for someone. They do not condemn someone who has an abortion, but would help a woman get through it, come to terms with it, and move forward. Women often feel they have done something very wrong, and need help. Sometimes abortion is the most loving thing to do. If Jesus forgives people, then so should Christians.
“We affirm that every human life, created in the divine image, is unique… We therefore believe that abortion is an evil… and that abortion on demand would be a very great evil. But we also believe that to withdraw compassion is evil, and in circumstances of extreme distress or need, a very great evil… In an imperfect world the ‘right’ choice is sometimes the lesser of two evils.” Church of England 1988
“To regard the life of the mother as less valuable than that of the unborn child does not consider her 'right to life' in terms of her wider roles of wife or mother (actual or potential) of other children, as well in terms of her own person.” Abortion, an Ethical Discussion, Church information office 1965
Salvation Army
Life is sacred from the moment of conception, but abortion may be acceptable if:
- the mother’s life is in danger
- the baby can not survive for more than a few days, e.g. with a severe disability
United Reform Church
Recognises a wide range of views among its members. There is a difference between a foetus almost ready to be born, and one in the early stages of pregnancy. Sometimes abortion is necessary, but should be taken seriously.
Methodist Church
“Abortion… may be the lesser of two evils. Some embryos are grievously handicapped. If born alive, their only prospect is of immense suffering and usually early death. Where the pregnancy is the result of rape, the abortion may be necessary for the recovery of the victim… Termination of pregnancy may be the right course because of the social circumstances of the existing family, or the mental or physical health of the mother.” The Methodist Church, quoted in What the Churches Say CEM 1995
