This current position of the UMC represents a gradual restricting of our abortion statement over the years. The goal of conservatives, of course, is to have it become an entirely pro-life statement. As it stands on the positive side, the language says that we (1) believe in the sanctity of unborn life, (2) that abortion is only for extreme circumstances, (3) that it should not be used for birth control or gender selection, (4) that we reject partial birth abortion.
On the negative side it: (1) uses the expression “unacceptable pregnancy,” (2) accepts abortion for “fetal abnormalities,” (3) calls for government to “facilitate” the legal option of abortion.
In short, it speaks out of both sides of its mouth. At very best it is a Rape/Incest/Life of Mother/Fetal Abnormality position.
This is unacceptable to me. At a minimum we should support no more than violent rape and life of mother.
I’ve had the conversation with my pastor regarding other Social Principles that straddle a fence.
My point is that if you’re undecided or straddling, that’s de facto acceptance and endorsement of the activity, whether it’s abortion, homosexuality, etc.
I’m leaving the Methodist Church in part because of the results of that conversation.