Monday, March 15, 2021

"Attitudes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Toward Certain Medical Problems" (1974)

The following is a document prepared by James O. Mason, then-Church Commissioner of Health, “Attitudes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Toward Certain Medical Problems” (3 June 1974). It is 19 short statements which were submitted to the First Presidency for approval, and was reproduced in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, volume 12 no. 3 (Fall 1979):97-100

 

Attitudes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Toward Certain Medical Problems

 

Abortion

 

The Church opposes abortion and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, nor abet an abortion except in the rare cases where, in the opinion of competent medical counsel, the life or good health of the mother is seriously in danger or where the pregnancy was caused by rape and produces serious emotional trauma in the mother. Even then it should be done only after consulting with the local presiding priesthood authority and after receiving divine confirmation through prayer.

 

Artificial Insemination

 

The Church does not approve of artificial insemination with other than the semen of the husband. Artificial insemination with semen other than from the husband may produce problems related to family harmony. The Church recognizes that this is a personal matter which must ultimately be left to the determination of the husband and wife with the responsibility for their decision resting solely upon them.

 

Birth Control

 

The Lord's command imposed upon all Latter-day Saints is to "multiply and replenish the earth." Where husband and wife enjoy health and vigor and are free from inheritable defects that would be entailed upon their posterity, it is contrary to the teachings of the Church artificially to curtail or prevent the birth of children. We believe that those who practice birth control will reap disappointment by and by. The Church feels that husbands must be considerate of their wives who bear the greater responsibility not only of bearing children, but of caring for them throughout childhood. To this end the mother's health and strength should be conserved and the husband's consideration for his wife is his first duty, and self-control should be a dominant factor in all of their relationships.

Dissection and Autopsies

 

The Church does not object to the performance of autopsies upon deceased persons, providing that the applicable laws governing autopsies are complied with and that the loved ones of the deceased give their consent.

 

Prolongation of Life and Right to Die

 

The Church does not look with favor upon any form of mercy killing. It believes in the dignity of life and that faith in the Lord and medical science should be appropriately called upon and applied to reverse conditions that are a threat to life. There comes a time when dying becomes inevitable; when it should be looked upon as a blessing, and a purposeful part of mortality.

 

Organ Transplants

 

The question of whether one should will his bodily organs to be used as transplants or for research after death must be answered from deep within the conscience of the individual involved. Those who seek counsel from the Church on this subject are encouraged to review the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, to implore the Lord for inspiration and guidance, and then to take the course of action which would give them a feeling of peace and comfort.

 

Religion and Healing Process ("Faith Healing")

 

The Church believes in the same manifestations of the Spirit, including healing, that existed in the Church organized by the Savior during His earthly ministry. Through Latter-day revelation the Lord has directed:

 

". . . And the elders of the Church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them (the sick) in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.”

 

Sunday (Sabbath) Observance

 

The Church accepts the commandment given by the Lord that men are to rest from all temporal work and to worship the Lord one day each week. Sunday is the day set aside by the Church to observe the Sabbath. Rest on this day, though important, is incidental to the true purpose of the Sabbath which is to worship, to learn more about the Lord, to renew covenants with Him and to feed our souls upon the things of the Spirit.

 

Dietary Laws

 

The Church's law pertaining to proper diet and care of the body is contained in a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith under date of February 27, 1833. That revelation admonishes Church members to use judgment and temperance in the use of all food and drink. It prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages, hot drinks (interpreted to mean tea and coffee) and tobacco. It also prohibits the use of all other substances which may be injurious to the body or which might be said to be in violation of the spirit of the revelation. It also encourages the sparing use of meats but prohibits none outright. On the affirmative side, this health code encourages the eating of all fruits and vegetables and encourages the use of whole grain.

 

Sterility Tests

 

The Church believes that having children is a blessing and privilege and, that with any abnormal condition, it is appropriate to use medical science to diagnose and restore normal function.

 

Religious Sacrament

 

Within the beliefs of the Church, the term "sacrament" refers only to the celebration of the Lord's Supper wherein bread and water are blessed and partaken of in symbolic remembrance of the flesh and blood of the Savior and by the way of recovenant by the partaker to adhere to the Savior's teachings. The Church ordinance specifically related to the sick or dying is the laying on of hands by the elders for the healing of the sick (see Religion and Healing process).

 

The Church has no official service for the burial of the fetus. What is done would depend upon the age and size of the fetus and the attitude of the parents, after discussion with their bishop.

 

Cremation

 

The Church has never encouraged cremation as a method of disposing of the remains of the dead. It believes it is proper to consign them to mother earth which has always been the custom. Although cremation is discouraged, the local laws must be observed and the final decision left with the family and the loved ones.

 

The Church regards the use of these substances, as prescribed under medical supervision for the treatment or prevention of disease, as wholly a medical question.

 

Homosexuality

 

The Church looks upon the homosexual act as a physical perversion, and Church leaders are advised to approach those who engage in this practice in the true spirit of the gospel of love and understanding in an effort to assist them and persuade them that repentance can bring them forgiveness from such transgressions.

 

Experimentation

 

The Church recognizes the need for carefully conducted and controlled experimentation to substantiate the efficacy of medicines and procedures. We believe, however, that the free agency of the individual must be protected by informed consent and that a qualified group of peers should review all research to ascertain that it is needed, is appropriately designed and not harmful to the person involved.

 

Sterilization

 

The Lord's commandment imposed upon all Latter-day Saints is to "multiply and replenish the earth." Nevertheless there may be medical conditions related to the health of the mother where sterilization could be justified. But such conditions, rare as they may be, must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with laws pertaining thereto.

 

Blood and Blood Products

 

See Attitude Toward Narcotics, Vaccines, Blood, etc.

 

Hypnosis

 

The Church regards the use of hypnosis under competent, professional supervision for the treatment of disease as wholly a medical question. The Church advises members against participation in hypnosis demonstrations.