wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Correction to 04260

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8270 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04279
June 10, 2004

Correction to 04260

by Jerry L. Van Marter

	A General Assembly "backgrounder" on abortion (story #04260, June 2,
2004) incorrectly reported that Presbyterian Church (USA) abortion policy
dates back to 1983 and that early church policy on abortion supported a
woman's right to choose "with virtually no reservations."

	The General Assemblies of both PC(USA) predecessor denominations both
first  adopted policy statements on abortion in 1970.

	The United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America,
stated, in part: "the artificial or induced termination of pregnancy is a
matter of the careful ethical decision of the patient, . . . and therefore
should not be restricted by law . . ." The Presbyterian Church in the United
States declared that "induced abortion is the willful destruction of the
fetus" but said "the willful termination of a pregnancy by medical means on
the considered decision of a pregnant woman may on occasion be morally
justifiable," such as cases of "physical or mental deformity, conception as a
result of rape or incest, conditions under which the physical or mental
health of either mother or child would be gravely threatened, or the
socio-economic condition of the family."

	General Assemblies have subsequently affirmed the principles set
forth in Roe v. Wade, which allowed women to choose abortion in the early
stages of pregnancy without interference from the state. That Supreme Court
decision also holds that the state may regulate abortion in some ways during
the middle stages of pregnancy and in the final trimester may prohibit
abortion altogether.

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