Believing that abortion should be subject to the same regulations and safeguards as those governing other medical and surgical procedures, we urge the repeal of all laws limiting either the circumstances under which a woman may have an abortion or the physician's freedom to use his best professional judgment in performing it.

We believe that no physician should be forced to perform an abortion if this violates his conscience; but, if this is so, he has an obligation to refer his patient to another physician willing to serve her.

We were drawn to these conclusions by facts and considerations that bear repetition.

The need for abortions may be greatly reduced when contraceptives that are as acceptable, effective, and safe as possible become readily available. But until that time, it can be assumed from the evidence that women will continue to have abortions. No prohibitions or penalties anywhere in the world have succeeded in stopping them. Instead, restrictive laws have made them more difficult to obtain, more dangerous, and more degrading.

Current laws in the United States are discriminatory, since the rich find it possible to secure abortions unobtainable by the poor. They promote criminal activity and disrespect for law. They are an invasion of human rights: the right of a child to be wanted and loved, the right of a woman to decide whether and when she will have children. And, by interfering with the right of families to limit the number of their children, present laws contribute to population pressures. While we found all of the above considerations persuasive and important, the most decisive factors in reaching our conclusions have been our concern that the individual, the family, and society achieve the highest possible quality of life and our conviction that this is unlikely for mentally and physically damaged or unwanted children, for their parents, and for an overpopulated world.

On religious, moral, and humanitarian grounds, therefore, we arrived at the view that it is far better to end an unwanted pregnancy than to encourage the evils resulting from forced pregnancy and childbirth. At the center of our position is a profound respect and reverence for human life, not only that of the potential human being who should never have been conceived, but of the parents, the other children, and the community of man.

The repeal of abortion laws seems to us to be a step in the right direction, but much more is needed:

1. Positive programs to do away with the necessity for abortions, as summarized on page 62.

2. A program of medically sound and easily available abortion services at low cost to protect women against the health problems resulting from recourse to backstreet abortionists.

3. Abortion services as part of accepted medical care, paid for by public funds for those who depend on public funds for such care.

4. Availability of counseling and social services to women requesting abortion with a view to (a) helping them examine the alternatives to abortion, (b) exploring with them sources of aid-medical, financial, adoptive-to make possible carrying the baby to term and rearing it decently, (c) putting them in touch with social services equipped to deal with such other problems as employment and housing, and (d) providing contraceptive advice and education as protection against future unwanted pregnancies. It is society's responsibility to provide such counseling services where they are not now available.

In pursuing these approaches, we must not lose sight of the need to work toward larger goals-raising educational levels and standards of living-important to the quality of life both as an end in themselves and as necessary means of motivating people to control their fertility.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

The National Council of Jewish Women believes that the freedom, dignity and security of the individual are basic to American democracy, that individual liberty and rights guaranteed by the Constitution are keystones of a free society, and that any erosion of these liberties or discrimination against any person undermines that society.

It therefore resolves:

7. To work for and encourage public understanding that abortion is an individual right, and to work for the elimination of legal obstacles that limit this right.

Adopted by the National Council of Jewish Women, 1969.

CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, 1969 ABORTION

Because Christian respect for the sanctity of life and the dignity of persons can be realized only in the context of free moral choice and responsible decisions making, we concur in the position taken by the Presidentially appointed Advisory Council on the Status of Women as reported on June 21, 1968, to the Washington, D.C. Conference of state Commissions on the Status of Women, by the Chairman, former U.S. Senator Maurine Neuberger: "the right of a woman to determine her own reproductive life is a basic human right.'

Like all such rights, however, this one should be exercised in the context of the highest ethical and spiritual considerations available to the conscience of the individual concerned. Basic to this ethical and spiritual determination of her own reproductive life is the acceptance of the promise to the potential child implicit in every act which begins the reproductive cycle. Since the action which initiates the promise is the woman's and not society's, the woman herself has the primary obligation to keep or break the implicit promise to the future child. We hold that it is this obligation to the future child as a result of the act of promise-making which is the ethical issue in the proper exercise of the woman's determination of her reproductive life. Should she break this promise without good cause, the guilt and shame are hers, not society's.

Therefore, we hold that in attempts to legislate the legal conditions for abortion, society usurps the woman's own ethical responsibilities. We call, therefore, for repeal of the present Connecticut laws concerning abortion performed by a duly licensed physician, and that they be replaced by a provision that abortion be governed by the general laws regulating medical licensure and practice. We urge that full, voluntary consultation or counselling be undertaken by the women with representatives of her religious or ethical tradition as part of the process of decision making.

CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, 1972

Re: Abortion legislation.

(The Connecticut Council of Churches is composed of representatives of the eight Protestant church bodies who are members of the Council.)

Debate over the issue of abortion law underscores again the fact that persons of good will and integrity, often sharing the spiritual and ethical resources of the same basic faith, can come to fundamentally different conclusions regarding complex moral issues. This is true not only because they interpret their faith from within different culturally conditioned traditions, but also because they attach special importance to different aspects of the factual situation.

It is within this context that I speak on behalf of the Connecticut Council of Churches in opposition to the kind of restrictive abortion legislation advocated by the Governor.

The Connecticut Council of Churches has considerably held that the only legislation needed is a provision that abortion be covered by the general laws regulating medical licensure and practice. Any other legislation will intrude the State into those delicate areas of religious belief, ethical judgments and personal liberty where it has no right or competency to interfere.

We believe in the sanctity of life and the dignity of persons. But we also believe these can be realized only in the context of free moral choice and responsible decision making. Therefore, we believe that the right of a woman to determine her own reproductive life is a basic human right. Whenever the State attempts to legislate the moral conditions for abortion, it is usurping the woman's own ethical responsibilities. The churches of the Connecticut Council of Churches think it is high time, therefore, for the State to cease and desist its attempts to legislate personal moral standards which are the responsibility of the individual.

B'NAI B'RITH WOMEN

RESOLUTION-ABORTION LAWS

B'nai B'rith Women recognizes that abortion is a serious problem with legal, social, religious ethical, psychological and physical implications. Accurate statistics are unattainable for obvious reasons, but estimates go as high as 1,200,000 abortions a year in the United States alone.

We are aware that in the United States, because of the restrictive laws in almost all of the states most of the abortions are performed outside the law, exposing the participants to death, serious injury and drastic penalties. Many physicians would like to see the laws broadened to protect themselves and the women they treat. Many lawyers and professors have also made recent proposals for liberalization of the abortion laws.

Problems that result from stringent laws on abortion now in effect in most areas of the world are of concern to B'nai B'rith Women as an international women's organization.

We therefore urgently recommend to the legislative bodies in the United States and other countries throughout the world, liberalization of the conditions under which abortions may be legally performed.

Adopted by B'nai B'rith Women Triennial Convention, March, 1968.

RESOLUTION ON ABORTION

Board of Managers, Church Women United, St. Louis, Mo., March 19, 1970

Our Christian concern for the human rights of all persons, whether as individuals or as groups, compels us to support the right of women to make the final decision about termination of an unwanted pregnancy in which a woman has strong reason for not bearing a child. Therefore, we believe the current abortion laws that deny this fundamental human right should be repealed.

New medical techniques make abortion safe, but current laws force women into dangerous situations and discriminate particularly against the poor woman. Whereas there are a variety of opinions about when life becomes human, laws of the state should not bind all women to one view. A woman does not make a decision for abortion easily or lightly and every encouragement and support should be offered to avoid this extreme solution. But this recourse must be open to her and she must be free to make the final decision with the help of her family, doctor, and spiritual advisor for she is the one who is required to go through the pregnancy and childbirth and will be expected by society to be primarily responsible for any child that is born. We also believe it is important that those who counsel and support women not be restricted by legalities.

We urge that serious work be done by the church on the ethical and theological aspects of abortion and that the results of such studies be available so that women may find adequate understanding and support.

In speaking on this issue of urgency to women, Church Women United recognizes that within our constituency there are some women who belong to communions who do not agree with this statement, but we believe that our unity is strong enough to contain varied opinions.

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1971

Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion. We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant abortion. We support the removal of abortion from the criminal code, placing it instead under laws relating to other procedures of standard medical practice. A decision concerning abortion should be made after thorough and thoughtful consideration by the parties involved, with medical and pastoral counsel.

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA, 1970

SOME ISSUES RELATED TO ABORTION

In the consideration of induced abortion, the key issue is the status of the unborn fetus. Since the fetus is the organic beginning of human life, the termination of its development is always a serious matter. Nevertheless, a qualitative distinction must be made between its claims and the rights of a responsible

person made in God's image who is in living relationships with God and other human beings. This understanding of responsible personhood is congruent with the historical Lutheran teaching and practice whereby only living persons are baptized.

On the basis of the evangelical ethic, a woman or couple may decide responsibly to seek an abortion. Earnest consideration should be given to the life and total health of the mother, her responsibilities to others in her family, the stage of development of the fetus, the economic and psychological stability of the home, the laws of the land and the consequences for society as a whole.

Persons considering abortion are encouraged to consult with their physicians and spiritual counselors. This church upholds its pastors and other responsible counselors, and persons who conscientiously make decisions about abortions.

THE MORAVIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA, NORTHERN PROVINCE, AUGUST 1970 The following Resolutions were adopted by the 1970 Provincial Synod of the Moravian Church in America, Northern Province.

Resolved: (7) That this Synod affirm that the decision to interrupt a pregnancy consistent within the time limits recognized by the medical profession be the responsibility of the individual(s) involved, based on his interpretation of Christian teaching, and that those who seek such an irreversible alternative do so with considerable thought and adequate medical and spiritual counseling; and be it further

Resolved: (8) That abortions should be viewed in the perspective of bringing mercy to a difficult situation where other options may be more destructive; and be it further Resolved: (9) That abortion should not be used as a means of population control.

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE United States of America, 1972 Re: Freedom of personal choice in problem pregnancies.

Whereas, God has given persons the responsibility of caring for creation as well as the ability to share in it, and has shown his concern for the quality and value of human life;

Whereas, sometimes when the natural ability to create life and the moral and spiritual ability to sustain it are not in harmony, the decisions to be made must be understood as moral and ethical ones and not simply legal;

Whereas, society now provides minimal care for unwanted children and inadequate support systems for women with children;

Whereas, most present abortion laws are inadequate and morally and ethically unjustifiable because: a) the laws do not deal with the problem of the bodily rights of women nor affirm their life and health; b) the laws do not grant women the right not to bear unwanted children; c) the laws do not deal with the emotional, social or economic welfare of other members of a family into which an unwanted child may be born; d) the laws fail to solve the problem of illegal abortions but leave the problem to be handled by criminals, quack practitioners and a small number of reputable physicians willing to risk their practice and reputation by performing abortions; e) the laws do not relieve the burden which the present structure places on the poor and on those who are unsophisticated about the ways of medicine and the law, and f) the laws do not insure the right of all children to be born as wanted children;

Therefore, in support of the concern for the value of human life and human wholeness and for the freedom of choice advocated in the report, “Sexuality and the Human Community," received for study by the 182nd General Assembly (1970), in support of the call to repeal inadequate abortion laws by that Assembly and in support of the resolution passed by United Presbyterian Women (1970), the 184th General Assembly (1972):

a. Urges the development, support and expansion of agencies where women with problem pregnancies have assistance and counseling on options such as keeping the child, adoption alternatives and abortion, with future access to birth control methods. As part of the counseling process, it urges consideration of the feelings of the father and the family.

b. Declares that women should have full freedom of personal choice concerning the completion or termination of their pregnancies and that the artificial or

induced termination of pregnancy, therefore, should not be restricted by law, except that it be performed under the direction and control of a properly licensed

physician.

c. Continues to support the establishment of medically sound, easily available and low-cost abortion services.

d. Urges the church to demonstrate its concern for women with small children by encouraging 1) the support of prenatal care for all pregnant women, 2) the principle that all children are legitimate at birth, 3) the establishment of support groups for single women who elect to keep their children, and 4) the formation of high quality child-development centers.

e. Supports legislation to repeal abortion laws not in harmony with this statement and encourages responsible groups working for such repeal.

f. Urges the development and dissemination of biblical and theological materials on the issue of abortion in order to facilitate responsible dialogue.

g. Directs the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to urge synods and presbyteries to study and take appropriate action on the issue of abortion in line with sections a. through f. above, including training opportunities for pastors and any persons in counseling on problem pregnancies.

h. Directs the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to request seminaries to include appropriate consideration of the issue of abortion in courses in pastoral counseling and social ethics as well as in continuing education programs offered to clergy, and to request church-related colleges to consider the issue of abortion in appropriate courses, programs or counseling services.

[Episcopal Churchwomen]

A RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF ABORTION LAW REPEAL and Free BIRTH CONTROL AVAILABILITY

(Adopted by the Triennial Meeting, October 16, 1970)

Whereas, the subject of abortion is a matter of current concern in many of our State legislatures; and

Whereas, our legislators need and desire support and guidance from the community and church concerning reform or elimination of current abortion laws; and

Whereas, the theological debate over when a fetus is a life and whether or not abortion constitutes the taking of a life, are questions that cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of all individuals and/or religious faiths; and

Whereas, the liberalized "Model Abortion Law" enacted in several states has not resulted in a significant decrease in the number of illegal abortions and has proven to be discriminatory against women from the lower economic strata, now therefore be it

Resolved, That the 33rd Triennial Meeting of the Women of the Episcopal Church support efforts to repeal all laws concerning abortion which deny women the free and responsible exercise of their conscience, and be it further

Resolved, That the members of the 33rd Triennial Meeting encourage and support efforts to make generously available to all women and men, regardless of economic or marital status, other methods of birth control including birth control for men, which are more acceptable than abortion to many individuals of Christian conscience.

CAPITAL AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES, 1970

We strongly feel that abortion is a matter of individual conscience and that no religious or secular group has the right to impose its codes and practices on others. Abortion as a voluntary act based on moral, ethical and religious values should not be curtailed by legislative restrictions. Restrictions which rob the individual of the right to self determination are discriminatory.

FEDERATION OF PROTESTANT WELFARE AGENCIES, INC., 1970

The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies believes that every woman should have the right to decide for herself whether or not to secure the termination of pregnancy.