Apostle warns against ‘elective abortion’ during first day of general conference
Apr 5, 2025, 7:46 PM | Updated: Apr 6, 2025, 11:50 am
SALT LAKE CITY — One of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke out against abortion during a worldwide gathering of members.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made those remarks Saturday afternoon on the first day of the 195th Annual General Conference, which originates in Salt Lake City and is broadcast around the world.
“The diminishing love for unborn children worldwide is a grave concern,” Andersen said. “God cherishes life. It is his work and his glory to bring immortality and eternal life to His children. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cherish life.”
Andersen reiterated the faith’s opposition to “elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions.”
The apostle added that the only exceptions to the church’s stance on abortion are when the mother’s life is in danger, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when a doctor determines the fetus won’t survive birth.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protections for abortion. After that, Utah’s “trigger law” took effect which bans almost all abortions except in the cases supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, in July 2022, a judge put that on hold pending a lawsuit. The case is still moving through the legal system.
Andersen’s message was one of many during the first day of general conference, which is held twice a year. During the two-day event, members hear messages of hope and faith from their leaders.
The first speaker during the Saturday morning session was President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Just one year ago, President Holland told members about his health struggles that brought him near death.
“I bear witness that priesthood and prayer are restoring my life,” President Holland said Saturday. “Christ’s priesthood and your prayers.”
“Jesus Christ lives,” added President Camille N. Johnson, who leads the faith’s Relief Society, a women’s organization. “Ultimately, all will be healed, physically and emotionally, in him.”
Outside the Conference Center – which was dedicated 25 years ago this month – Latter-day Saints reacted to what they had heard from their leaders.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to just continue to get guidance in our ever-changing world with all the crazy things that are happening,” said Abby Needham of South Jordan.
“I felt like there was a wonderful focus on Christ,” added Jeremy Grisel, who traveled from Texas with his wife, Robin, to attend the conference.
As part of general conference, the church also released new numbers showing there are now 17.5 million members worldwide, with more than 74,000 full-time missionaries currently serving.
“Last year, missionary work brought over three hundred thousand new members into the church,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “More than numbers, the spirit of the gathering is bringing souls to Jesus Christ and his gospel.”
General conference continues with another session Saturday at 6 p.m. followed by two concluding sessions on Sunday. You can watch it live on KSL channel 5 or on the KSL+ app.
