PARO welcomes those who support the full range of reproductive options that ensure that every child is loved and wanted. They are committed to ensuring that the policy of the PC(USA) is articulated, understood, and preserved for future generations.

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Prayerfully Supporting Women and the Choices They Make

Problem Pregnancies and Abortion

The 204th General Assembly (1992) Response to The Report of the Special Committee on Problem Pregnancies and Abortion
(Majority Report)

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has worked for years to address the diverse opinions concerning individuals and families who face problem pregnancies and the question of abortion. In an effort to be an agent of healing in the life of our denomination, a diverse special committee was formed and composed a majority report, “Problem Pregnancies and Abortion,” that was adopted by the 204th (1992) General Assembly and has remained Presbyterian policy for 15 years.

This 1992 report on problem pregnancies and abortion recognizes that part of the task of the church is to wrestle faithfully with the different issues that face human beings in the midst of a fallen creation. While significant disagreements remain among Presbyterians, the 1992 report affirmed the ability of women to make good moral choices in regard to problem pregnancies, including decisions about abortion.

When a woman faces the difficult situation of a problem pregnancy, entities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), including Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO), recognize the complicated circumstances that, as the report says, we have neither the wisdom nor authority to address or decide for each woman. Therefore, PARO, in compliance with the report adopted by the 204th General Assembly, affirms and prayerfully supports the wide range of choices that should be available to women: respect and healthcare for the woman and child before and after birth, adoption or termination of the pregnancy.

While church members may not always be able to agree on the morality of abortion or the use and interpretation of Scripture, the PC(USA) does provide for freedom and exercise of conscience on this matter which so clearly divides us. Though we can agree that the fall of creation has had great effect on human sexuality and procreation, we are thankful that God is always involved in the work of redemption. 

To learn more, visit our resources section.

Reproductive health information: Separating fact from fiction

Myths are common in the often heated discussions around reproductive health. PARO is dedicating this space to exploring those myths. Check back often to see additional myths "busted."

Myth: The number of abortions could be reduced by making abortion illegal.

Myth: Women who have an abortion are more likely to have emotional problems.

Myth: The Bible is clear in its opposition to abortion.

Myth: Abstinence-only sex education decreases the likelihood that teenagers will engage in sexual intimacy before marriage.

Myth: Sex education courses are more likely to result in teens having sex than in preventing sexual activity.

Myth: When teens have true faith in Jesus they do not need sex education.

What does pro-choice really mean?

By Sylvia Thorson-Smith

Pro-choice—for choice. So simple and yet so complex.

The most basic definition for pro-choice,and the one offered by Webster’s dictionary, is “favoring the legalization of abortion,” which is clearly what was meant when the term was first used in the mid-1970s. Following the Roe v.Wade decision by the Supreme Court in 1973, the legality of abortion was challenged and increasingly debated. Pro-choice became the common self-description of people who supported the Court’s legalization. Since then, the term has come to describe those who support the right of women to make decisions about the full range of options regarding their reproductive lives.

Download the full article.

This article was originally published by Horizons, the magazine for Presbyterian Women. To learn more, visit Horizons.

Theological Principles

Our Presbyterian Understanding of Scripture
The unique and authoritative witness we have for the revelation of God in Jesus Christ is Scripture … Scripture is not a book of formulas, of directions in a mechanical sense. It is a book of history, of poetry, of letters, of stories, and in the midst of these forms are commandments and teachings … [Read more]

217th General Assembly in Birmingham, Ala.

The Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options Luncheon was held Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Brimingham Art Museum.

The Rev. Tom Davis, Ph.D., interim pastor, The Presbyterian Church, Schaghticoke, New York, addressed religious foundations of the pro-Choice movement and the responsibilities of the clergy. He signed copies of his book, Sacred Work: Planned Parenthood and Its Clergy Alliances.

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Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP)
ACSWP, as a servant of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), develops, interprets and monitors policies that encourage and challenge the Church and society to reflect and act in faithful response to God's call to do justice.

PC(USA) Women's Ministries
Women's Ministries is a partnership among a variety of groups working on behalf of women.

Learn more
Find more reproductive health Web sites in our resources section.

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