Pro-Choice Does Not Mean Pro-Abortion.
What does pro-life truly mean? This term should reach far beyond the subject of abortion. True pro-life refers to the protection of human life at all stages, especially after birth. Someone who is pro-life also supports universal healthcare so all Americans have the opportunity to be treated fairly in the case of illness regardless of income or circumstances. It means sensible gun laws and a proclivity for diplomacy instead of war.
The Mormon Church's official statement on abortion:
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.
The Church teaches its members that even these rare exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons involved have consulted with their local church leaders and feel through personal prayer that their decision is correct.
The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion.
I do not deviate from this statement, but pro-choice does not mean pro-abortion. It simply means that a woman's right to choose should not eliminated.
I remind fellow Mormons that Mitt Romney once ran for governor of Massachusetts as a pro-choice candidate.