=====Abortion - Religious Pro Life Viewpoint=====

===Lede===
The religious pro-life viewpoint holds that abortion is morally impermissible due to sacred teachings affirming the inviolable sanctity of human life. This perspective is prominently advocated by major Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention, as well as certain Jewish and Muslim traditions. It shapes policy debates, activist movements, and personal ethical stances across multiple cultures and legal systems. Adherents argue that life begins at conception, granting the fetus full moral personhood, and that religious precepts categorically prohibit the destruction of innocent human life. The viewpoint intersects with broader social issues, including reproductive rights, medical ethics, and the role of faith in public lawmaking.

===Core Arguments===
Proponents contend that life is divinely endowed from conception, a belief rooted in scriptural interpretations such as the Biblical commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13). Many Christian traditions teach that abortion constitutes grave moral evil by terminating what they hold to be a unique and sacred human being. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, adherents argue that abortion harms women by perpetuating trauma or distorting the natural order of life.

Religious pro-life advocates emphasize the role of faith in shaping just societies, asserting that moral laws should reflect transcendent truths rather than secular expediency. They oppose state-funded or mandated abortion access on grounds that it institutionalizes violence against the unborn while burdening taxpayers with complicity in moral wrongdoing.

Historically, Catholic opposition to abortion was formalized by the 19th century through papal teachings. In the United States, evangelical pro-life activism surged after the Roe v. Wade (1973) decision legalizing abortion. Global Catholic networks like Human Life International have expanded advocacy efforts internationally. Jewish Orthodox and Conservative traditions permit abortion only as a last resort to save the mother's life, while Islamic scholars generally oppose it after 120 days gestation.

Some adherents link pro-life ethics to a "seamless garment" philosophy, extending protection for unborn life to broader concerns like opposing capital punishment or promoting social welfare. Pope Paul VI's *Humanae Vitae* (1968) reinforced traditional Catholic teachings against artificial contraception and abortion by grounding them in natural law principles. The movement also intersects with opposition to euthanasia, viewing both as threats to human dignity.

===Notable Proponents===
- **Pope John Paul II**: As pope from 1978 to 2005, he authored *Evangelium Vitae* (1995), condemning abortion as part of a "culture of death."
- **Francis Cardinal George**: Former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he championed consistent pro-life policies.
- **Tony Perkins**: Leader of the Family Research Council, he represents evangelical pro-life advocacy in American politics.
- **Randall Terry**: Founder of Operation Rescue, known for direct-action protests at abortion clinics.
- **Jerry Falwell Sr.**: A pioneering figure in the Christian Right's pro-life movement through the Moral Majority.
- **Alveda King**: Niece of Martin Luther King Jr., she bridges civil rights and evangelical pro-life activism.
- **Dr. James Dobson**: Founder of Focus on the Family, he popularized pro-life themes among conservative Christians.
- **Kristan Hawkins**: President of Students for Life of America, focusing on youth engagement.
- **Bernard Nathanson**: A former abortion provider who converted to pro-life views after witnessing ultrasound technology.

===Related Pages===
* [[abortion]]
* [[abortion-religious-pro-choice-viewpoint]]
* [[abortion-secular-pro-life-viewpoint]]
* [[abortion-regulation-controversy]]

===Footnotes===
1. Pope John Paul II, *Evangelium Vitae*, 1995.
2. Southern Baptist Convention, "Resolution on Sanctity of Human Life," annual meeting, 1980.
3. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, *Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities*, 1975.