Why is it okay to have an abortion due to rape or incest?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I was wondering, why does the Church say it is okay to abort a child that is the ‘product’, if I may, of rape or incest? Isn’t that baby still a human, with every right to life that we do? I ask this for a better understanding, not to try and undermine Church authority. Any insight is well appreciated!

Nicholas

Answer

Nicholas,

While such a decision is permitted, it is only under the most solemn of conditions.  The doctor monitoring the pregnancy must be involved in the discussion. The Bishop must also be involved in the discussion. I have had dear friends go through such a process, and I can say with confidence that it was not an easy discussion to have, it was not a short discussion, nor was it concluded quickly. Months were involved, as well as many deep and emotional meetings. Since those days, I would not be surprised to learn that the process itself typically takes longer now, to get the Church’s approval, should the decision be made to end the pregnancy.

You are every bit correct that every life is sacred with a right to continue. The approval cannot come on the heels of an emotional reaction to a horrific event such as rape. Despite the ugliness, that life can still be realized to adulthood in an adoptive home, and the Church does have its own adoption services program for just such events as these.

When it comes to events such as incest or rape, feelings are immediately tender and tempers are begging for an excuse to flare. The last person that should suffer from such an environment is the very person that is innocent of anything wrong, and I sorrow for the knowledge that it occurs at all. At the same time, Heavenly Father is more loving and caring than we can know. Ultimately, when we place our faith on the line, we must trust that he leads us true, whatever we feel his answer is.

Gramps