United Methodist Church Continues to Become More Pro-Life.(2008 United Methodist General Conference )

In 1972, America's second-largest Protestant denomination officially endorsed legalized abortion, as did other "mainline" American Protestant denominations around that same time. However, the April 23May 2 meeting of the top policymaking body of the United Methodist Church took several incremental but significant steps to move in a more pro-life direction. Specifically, the 2008 United Methodist General Conference decided to:

"Affirm and encourage the Church to assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women find feasible alternatives to abortion."

Delete from a previously adopted statement the assertion that supporting legalized abortion was somehow "[i]n continuity with past Christian teaching."

Replace "pro-choice" language in that same statement about "unacceptable pregnanc[ies]" with the pro-life assertion that "we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child."

Decry the international problem of gender-selective abortions, while describing abortion as something that is "violent" and to be opposed when chosen for "trivial reasons."

Support adult "notification and consent" for minors seeking abortions.

"Reject euthanasia and pressure upon the dying to end their lives."