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The Sanctity of Human Life

"We affirm the sanctity of life and its importance in God's eternal plan."
The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Defending the Sanctity of Human Life

Cynthia L. Hallen


What does "sanctity of life" mean?

To the public, it is used in regards to "concerns about life-related issues such as abortion on demand, birth control, capital punishment, and euthanasia" (p. 290). To Church members, it is usually focused on the topic of elective abortion.

What is Life?

life = body, person
Emily Dickinson said, "To be alive -- is Power."
Jesus Christ is "the Life."

Why is Life Sacred?

Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen stated, "We are created in the image of God. The union of the flesh with the spirit can bring us a fulness of joy. Teach your children to respect the sanctity of human life, to revere it and cherish it. Human life is the precious stepping-stone to eternal life, and we must jealously guard it from the moment of conception" (p. 291).

Elder Russell M. Nelson states, "As sons and daughters of God, we cherish life as a gift from him . . . Life comes from life. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is eternal, as he is eternal. Innocent life is not sent by him to be destroyed! This doctrine is not of me, but is that of the living God and his divine Son" (p. 291).

What is Abortion?

to abort = to "cut off the existence of someone" or to "cause someone to disappear"

2 types of abortion:

1. spontaneous or natural abortion 
-miscarriage
2. non spontaneous or induced abortion
-emergency abortion
-elective abortion

Roe v. Wade

 U.S. Supreme Court legalized elective abortion

How can we support the sanctity of life?

1. Maintain and promote chastity and fidelity.
2. Help provide for unwed parents.
3. Become better informed.
4. Discuss the sanctity of life accurately and appropriately.
5. Recognize the consequences of abortion.
6. Strengthen our testimonies of the sanctity of life.

Mother Teresa stated, "Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love but to use violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion."

Personal Application
I chose one of Hallen's suggestions for supporting the sanctity of life and I'm focusing on that.

Resource:
Hawkins, A. J., Dollahite, D. C., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families: proclamation principles and research perspectives. Provo, UT: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

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