This past General Conference featured a talk on abortion and the sanctity of life by Elder Andersen that caused a bit of a stir in social media. It is not surprising that some members find themselves face to face with clear doctrine and are feeling conflicted. But it was refreshing to have a talk from an apostle in General Conference that was both loving and sensitive as well as clear and unequivocal in its statements on this topic.

His talk was a clarion call to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward and cherish life.

Elder Andersen included several stories that demonstrated loving, life-affirming actions exemplifying how a disciple of Christ should respond to unexpected pregnancies. Each of the stories highlighted the love and support that could and should be extended to women and their families in these situations. They were inspiring. Quoting President Nelson, “A hallmark of the Lord’s true and living Church will always be an organized … effort to minister to individual children of God … [ministering with loving-kindness] to the one, just as He did.”

Life vs. Choice

He then addressed one of the key arguments used by members and others alike to justify abortion, “Two words are often attached to the sanctity of mortal birth: life and choice. Life is a most precious part of our Father’s perfect plan, and by His decree we cherish and preserve life; and we choose the continuation of life once conceived. We also treasure the gift of choice, of moral agency—helping to strengthen righteous choices approved by God that bring eternal happiness.” Nowhere did he state that we affirm or support the choice to kill an unborn child. Moral agency does not include the right to kill an innocent. For a Church member to state, “Well, I would never get an abortion, but I think others should have the right to do so,” flies in the face of moral agency, and this position is not supported by statements from our General Authorities or from the scriptures.

Church opposes elective abortion

And then, Elder Andersen continued to clearly spell out the position and doctrine of the Church, “The word of the Lord concerning the unborn, given voice through the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has never varied and echoes the words of prophets through the ages, giving divine clarity to what the Lord has asked of us. “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.””

This could not be clearer. The Church opposes elective abortion for convenience—full stop. There are those who try to quibble over this position by pointing to the possible exceptions, but the Church is clear in opposing the 97-99% of elective abortions that are done throughout the world.1 And the numbers are staggering. There are 73 million elective abortions each year—200,000 innocent babies being killed every day. This is by far the worst evil to ever occur in the history of mankind and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes it.

Life is not political but moral

Elder Andersen clearly stated, “Nurturing and protecting life that is yet unborn is not a political position. It is a moral law confirmed by the Lord through His prophets.” In a bold statement that is crystal clear, he swept away all the excuses and deflective statements that members have used for decades to avoid the topic of the sanctity of life and abortion. Members and leaders alike for decades have hidden behind, “Oh, this is political. We can’t talk about it.” Those days are gone. An apostle of the Lord has clearly stated – this is moral law. This is doctrine!

Speaking more openly

But he did not stop there. Elder Andersen then called on the entire membership of the Church and directed them specifically, “Let us speak more often with faith and compassion to our youth in our homes, and with each other in our Relief Society and elders quorum meetings, about the Lord’s law of chastity, the sanctity of life, and the care of the unborn and their mothers.”

This is a call to each of us. It is so essential that we discuss the topics of the doctrine of the sanctity of life, the critical importance of chastity, and the true nature of abortion with our children and our youth and with each other. Silence on these topics has led to our members being indoctrinated by Satan and the world and has had serious impacts.  Our children and youth must be taught truth by their families. And we should all be discussing these topics in Church so that there is a foundation of true doctrine for all of us.

Obtaining a body and experiencing mortality is a critical part of the Plan of Salvation. Protecting that experience is important for all of us. We should be talking about the sanctity of life often within our families and in the Church to strengthen each other in understanding the doctrine involved, being obedient to the commandments involved, and stepping forward as Saints of God to protect life as a pivotal part of the Plan of Salvation.

Abortion is a “grave concern”

Elder Andersen shared, “My dear brothers and sisters, the diminishing love for unborn children worldwide is a grave concern. God cherishes life.” While the world clamors to have the right to kill children, the Lord grieves. We know that our Heavenly Father is a loving parent and wants life for all His sons and daughters. Each of us should share in that love of our brothers and sisters who want a physical body and mortal experience.

Call to be disciples of love

A central theme to Elder Andersen’s talk was the need to be loving and supportive of those who face unexpected pregnancies. He said, “When a woman and a man are in such a fragile time, facing a crucial choice, our words, our hands, our hearts—spiritually, emotionally, and financially—can bless them to feel the Savior’s love.” This is a beautiful call to action for each of us to step forward and provide support to families facing these circumstances. We can do this directly or by helping organizations who provide this kind of support to those in need. Participating in pro-life service can provide blessings to those who need our help and love and often make the difference in the parents choosing life for their baby.

Elder Andersen then encourages the Saints, “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cherish life. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” May we share our love even more abundantly with those who need us so desperately.”

With the world gripped in this wave of evil in the deaths of countless babies, we can stand forward with outstretched arms of love to help. We must speak as disciples of Christ in discussing the beautiful doctrines of chastity and sanctity of life. We must act as disciples of Christ in offering love and spiritual, emotional, and financial support to those in need. We must be disciples of Christ and support and protect life as He would want us to.

Merrilee Boyack is the Director of Development for Latter-day Saints for Life – an organization that promotes pro-life doctrine and action for members of the Church.

  1. https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/article_files/3711005.pdf

(All quotes from here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/21andersen?lang=eng)