Abortion and Sanctity of Life in Adventist Institutions

Abortion is a grave sin and a violation of the sanctity of life that has no place in God's plan or His institutionsPH167 38.4+1. The practice is a fiendish endeavor and a base crime that brings disastrous consequences upon the physical and moral nature of those involvedSOAP 100.2.

The Sanctity of Life and the Divine Standard

Life is a gift from God, and its sanctity is guarded by His holy lawBHOTV2 100.1. God’s design for marriage and the home includes the development of the purest affections and the education of children in habits of purity and cleanlinessCG 106.2+1. Any course that violates the law of God or the principles of modesty and reserve is debasing and cannot be honorable in the sight of a pure GodPH167 38.4.

• The sixth commandment protects the sanctity of life in its origin and free possessionBHOTV2 100.1.

• God is a being of perfect truth and holiness who cannot unite with iniquity or transgressionST May 19, 1881, par. 19.

• We are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:14MR 365.4+1.

The True Purpose of Sanitariums and Hospitals

Our medical institutions are established as instrumentalities for the revival of pure, elevated morality and the salvation of souls1MR 67.2+1. They are to be reformatory in all principles and must shun the world's follies and unprincipled practices4T 586.2+1.

• If a sanitarium fails to lift up the principles of the gospel, it contradicts the very object of its existenceMM 28.1.

• Managers and workers must maintain right principles strictly, ensuring the institution does not become a hotbed of iniquityPH167 38.4+1.

• The moral atmosphere must be kept pure, and those who plead for license or disregard rules of order are not worthy to be connected with these institutionsPH167 38.4.

• It is better for an institution to lose patronage than to sacrifice the high principles of health reform and Christian dutyTSDF 171.4.

Moral and Physical Consequences of Abortion

Abortion is described as a "worse than devilish practice" and a "terrible sin" that stains the soulSOAP 100.2. It is often driven by a desire to avoid the responsibilities of motherhood or to indulge passions without restraintSOAP 100.2.

• The health of the mother is frequently ruined, and the generative organs are seriously injured by this unnatural crimeSOAP 100.2.

• Fathers are often accessory to this crime by inducing or forcing the condition upon the motherSOAP 100.2.

• Ancient philosophers who practiced or advocated abortion were considered to have corrupt morals and were "without understanding" regarding true virtueAMS May 21, 1891, page 162.7+2.

• Children born to parents who have attempted such practices often suffer throughout their livesSOAP 100.2.

The Call to Higher Principles

Followers of Christ are expected to reveal a transformation of character and a high sense of honor as ruling principlesHR February 1, 1878, par. 8+1. We must not allow the great adversary to mold our institutions according to the world’s standardLS 248.2.

• Jesus came to bring moral power to combine with human effort so that we may be transformed from impurity to heart-holiness1SM 262.1+1.

• Every action derives its quality from the motive that prompts it; if motives are not high and pure, the character will never be balancedYI April 7, 1898, par. 2.

• Those who choose associates who cheapen their morals or contaminate others will be held accountable in the judgmentMYP 31.2.

• We are to walk in the light, which means advancement in spiritual attainments and the putting away of everything that defiles7MR 100.4+1.

May we always seek to preserve life and reflect the character of our Redeemer in every transaction and institutionCT 321.1+2. Whoever will save his life shall lose it: and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it Matthew 16:25.