Resolution Number: | 1982-B009 |
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Title: | Reaffirm the Church's Guidelines on the Termination of Pregnancy |
Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred As Substituted and Amended |
Final Text: |
Resolved, That the following principles and guidelines adopted by the 65th General Convention (1976) and reaffirmed by the 66th General Convention (1979) be reaffirmed by this 67th General Convention:
- The beginning of new human life, because it is a gift of the power of God's love for his people, and thereby sacred, should not and must not be undertaken unadvisedly or lightly but in full accordance of the understanding for which this power to conceive and give birth is bestowed by God.
- Such understanding includes the responsibility for Christians to limit the size of their families and to practice responsible birth control. Such means for moral limitations do not include abortion for convenience.
- The position of this Church, stated at the 62nd General Convention of the Church in Seattle in 1967, which declared support for the "termination of pregnancy" particularly in those cases where "the physical or mental health of the mother is threatened seriously, or where there is substantial reason to believe that the child would be born badly deformed in mind or body, or where the pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest" is reaffirmed. Termination of pregnancy for these reasons is permissible.
- In those cases where it is firmly and deeply believed by the person or persons concerned that pregnancy should be terminated for causes other than the above, members of this Church are urged to seek the advice and counsel of a Priest of this Church, and, where appropriate, penance.
- Whenever members of this Church are consulted with regard to proposed termination of pregnancy, they are to explore, with the person or persons seeking advice and counsel, other preferable courses of action.
- The Episcopal Church expresses its unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter and to act upon them.
Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-156. |
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Legislative History
Author: | |
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Originating House: | House of Deputies |
Originating Committee: | Committee on Social and Urban Affairs |
House of Deputies
Original Text of Resolution:
(B009) Not Currently Available
The Committee recommended that a substitute resolution be adopted without amendment.
Debate followed. Deputy Gerdau, of Missouri, moved to terminate debate.
Motion carried
Deputy Jordan, of Southern Virginia, moved to amend the substitute resolution. He was ruled out of order because the matter had been adopted by a previous General Convention.
The question was called.
Motion carried
Substitute resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #130)
House of Bishops
On the ninth day, the Secretary read:
HD Message #130 --B-9S, Abortion.
The House concurred
(Communicated to House of Deputies in HB Message #225)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, September 13.
Abstract: | The 67th General Convention reaffirms the principles and guidelines concerning an individual's right to reach an informed decision in the matter of abortion. |
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