United Methodist Church

Official Denominational Website: http://www.umc.org

Beginning of Life

Abortion

The UMC allows for abortion in only very particular cases and after much prayer and consideration.

Official Statement: from "What Is the United Methodist Position on Abortion?"

"The topic of abortion is complex. The United Methodist Church affirms these two sentences in The Social Principles:

Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.

But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child. (Book of Discipline ¶161.J)

These statements express the complexity of a topic that does not lend itself to easy answers. ("What Is the United Methodist Position on Abortion?")

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Abortion" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.

But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child.

We recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We support parental, guardian, or other responsible adult notification and consent before abortions can be performed on girls who have not yet reached the age of legal adulthood. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection or eugenics.

"We oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice except when the physical life of the mother is in danger and no other medical procedure is available, or in the case of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life.

We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may cause them to consider abortion. We entrust God to provide guidance, wisdom, and discernment to those facing an unintended pregnancy.

The Church shall offer ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies. We commit our Church to continue to provide nurturing ministries to those who terminate a pregnancy, to those in the midst of a crisis pregnancy, and to those who give birth.

We mourn and are committed to promoting the diminishment of high abortion rates. The Church shall encourage ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies such as comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education, advocacy in regard to contraception, and support of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls around the globe.

Young adult women disproportionately face situations in which they feel that they have no choice due to financial, educational, relational, or other circumstances beyond their control. The Church and its local congregations and campus ministries should be in the forefront of supporting existing ministries and developing new ministries that help such women in their communities. They should also support those crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women explore all options related to unplanned pregnancy. We particularly encourage the Church, the government, and social service agencies to support and facilitate the option of adoption. (See ¶ 161L.) We 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.

Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, family, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Abortion")

Contraception

The UMC has taken a position on population control that is suggestive for practices of contraception.

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Population" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Since the growing worldwide population is increasingly straining the world’s supply of food, minerals, and water and sharpening international tensions, the reduction of the rate of consumption of resources by the affluent and the reduction of current world population growth rates have become imperative. People have the duty to consider the impact on the total world community of their decisions regarding childbearing and should have access to information and appropriate means to limit their fertility, including voluntary sterilization. We affirm that programs to achieve a stabilized population should be placed in a context of total economic and social development, including an equitable use and control of resources; improvement in the status of women in all cultures; a human level of economic security, health care, and literacy for all. We oppose any policy of forced abortion or forced sterilization." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Population")

Infertility & Reproduction

Reproductive Technologies

In-Vitro Fertilization

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We call for a ban on medical and research procedures that intentionally generate “waste embryos” that will knowingly be destroyed when the medical procedure or the research is completed. The exception to this is when ova (eggs) are being collected for use in in vitro fertilization. A woman is at risk for complications each time drugs are given to stimulate ovulation and ova are removed. Obtaining and fertilizing multiple ova may be justified to avoid the necessity of multiple attempts to obtain ova. The first attempt at IVF results in a living child less than 30% of the time thus making multiple attempts necessary." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.e)

Nuclear Transfer and Cloning (for reproduction)

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Frozen Oocytes

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We call for a ban on medical and research procedures that intentionally generate “waste embryos” that will knowingly be destroyed when the medical procedure or the research is completed. The exception to this is when ova (eggs) are being collected for use in in vitro fertilization. A woman is at risk for complications each time drugs are given to stimulate ovulation and ova are removed. Obtaining and fertilizing multiple ova may be justified to avoid the necessity of multiple attempts to obtain ova. The first attempt at IVF results in a living child less than 30% of the time thus making multiple attempts necessary." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.e )

Healthcare & Medicine

Access to Healthcare

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Right to Health Care" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

Like police and fire protection, health care is best funded through the government’s ability to tax each person equitably and directly fund the provider entities. Countries facing a public health crisis such as HIV/AIDS must have access to generic medicines and to patented medicines. We affirm the right of men and women to have access to comprehensive reproductive health/family planning information and services that will serve as a means to prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce abortions, and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The right to health care includes care for persons with brain diseases, neurological conditions, or physical disabilities, who must be afforded the same access to health care as all other persons in our communities. It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community.

We believe it is a governmental responsibility to provide all citizens with health care.

We encourage hospitals, physicians, and medical clinics to provide access to primary health care to all people regardless of their health-care coverage or ability to pay for treatment." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Right to Health Care")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions.

We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals. We affirm that responsible stewardship of God's gift of human life implies access of all persons to genetic counseling throughout their reproductive life." ("New Developments in Genetic Science VI.A.1.a-b" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2008.)

Organ Donation & Transplantation

The UMC encourages organ donation and transplantation. It considers it a free gift that should be conducted with respect towards all involved.

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Organ Transplantation and Donation" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We believe that organ transplantation and organ donation are acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice. We recognize the life-giving benefits of organ and other tissue donation and encourage all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need. We urge that it be done in an environment of respect for deceased and living donors and for the benefit of the recipients, and following protocols that carefully prevent abuse to donors and their families." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Organ Transplantation and Donation")

Privacy of Healthcare Information

The UMC takes a strong stance on confidentiality of genetic information.

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Genetic data of individuals and their families should be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the individual or by his or her family, or unless the collection and use of genetic identification data is supported by an appropriate court order." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support the privacy of genetic information. Genetic data of individuals and their families shall be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the individual or his or her family, or unless the collection and use of genetic identification data are supported by an appropriate court order.

We support wide public access to genetic data that do not identify particular individuals, but we oppose using genetic data gathered for purposes other than that to which consent was given.

We oppose the discriminatory or manipulative use of genetic information, such as the limitation, termination, or denial of insurance or employment." ("New Developments in Genetic Science VI.A.2.a-c"))

Science & Technology

Biotechnology

Animal-Human Hybrids

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We approve modern methods of breeding that respect the existence of the natural borders of species." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Human Cloning

The UMC opposes human cloning.

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We call on all nations to ban human cloning (the intentional production of genetically identical or essentially identical human beings and human embryos), whether such cloning is funded privately or through government research." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.d)

Stem Cell Research

The UMC does not have a moral problem with the use of adult stem cells or stem cells from fetal tissue such as umbilical cord blood.

Official Statement: from "Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"There are a number of potential sources for stem cells, including adult tissues, fetal remains, umbilical cord blood, and human embryos. The use of adult stem cells and stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood raises few moral questions. The use of human embryos as a source for stem cells has been the subject of intense moral debate.

Given the reality that most, if not all, excess embryos will be discarded, we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes. This position is a matter of weighing the danger of further eroding the respect due to potential life against the possible, therapeutic benefits that are hoped for from such research. The same judgment of moral tolerability would apply to the use of embryos left from future reproductive efforts if a decision has been made not to introduce them into the womb. We articulate this position with an attitude of caution, not license. We reiterate our opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research. (See Book of Resolutions, 2000, p. 254)" (Book of Resolutions 2008)

The United Methodist Church supports persons who wish to enhance medical research by donating their early embryos remaining after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have ended, and urges national governments to pass legislation that would authorize funding for derivation of and medical research on human embryonic stem cells that were generated from IVF embryos and remain after fertilization procedures have been concluded, provided that:

1. these early embryos are no longer required for procreation by those donating them and would simply be discarded;
2. those donating early embryos have given their prior informed consent to their use in stem cell research;
3. the embryos were not deliberately created for research purposes; and
4. the embryos were not obtained by sale or purchase.

National health agencies are urged to establish an interdisciplinary oversight body for all research in both the public and private sectors that involves stem cells from human embryos, adult stem cells that have been made pluripotent, parthenotes, sperm cells, or egg cells, and cells that produce sperm or eggs." ("Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We call for a ban on medical and research procedures that intentionally generate “waste embryos” that will knowingly be destroyed when the medical procedure or the research is completed. The exception to this is when ova (eggs) are being collected for use in in vitro fertilization." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.e)

Emerging Technologies

Ethical Use of Technology

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Natural World - Science & Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We recognize science as a legitimate interpretation of God’s natural world. We affirm the validity of the claims of science in describing the natural world and in determining what is scientific. We preclude science from making authoritative claims about theological issues and theology from making authoritative claims about scientific issues. We find that science’s descriptions of cosmological, geological, and biological evolution are not in conflict with theology. We recognize medical, technical, and scientific technologies as legitimate uses of God’s natural world when such use enhances human life and enables all of God’s children to develop their God-given creative potential without violating our ethical convictions about the relationship of humanity to the natural world. . . .

"In acknowledging the important roles of science and technology, however, we also believe that theological understandings of human experience are crucial to a full understanding of the place of humanity in the universe. Science and theology are complementary rather than mutually incompatible. We therefore encourage dialogue between the scientific and theological communities and seek the kind of participation that will enable humanity to sustain life on earth and, by God’s grace, increase the quality of our common lives together." ("Social Principles: The Natural World - Science & Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"God has given human beings the capacity for research and technological invention, but the worship of science is idolatry. Genetic techniques have enormous potential for sustaining creation and, for some, improving the quality of human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human disease. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," II.C)

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Information Communication Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Because effective personal communication is key to being a responsible and empowered member of society, and because of the power afforded by information communication technologies to shape society and enable individuals to participate more fully, we believe that access to these technologies is a basic right.

Information communication technologies provide us with information, entertainment, and a voice in society. They can be used to enhance our quality of life and provide us with a means to interact with each other, our government, and people and cultures all over the world. Most information about world events comes to us by the broadcast, cable, print media, and the Internet. Concentrating the control of media to large commercial interests limits our choices and often provides a distorted view of human values. Therefore, we support the regulation of media communication technologies to ensure a variety of independent information sources and provide for the public good.

We support the goal of universal access to telephone and Internet services at an affordable price." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Information Communication Technology")

Genetic Ethics

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"One of the concerns that merits critique in light of theological understandings is genetic science. The urgent task of interpreting the faith in light of the biotechnology revolution and evaluating the rapidly emerging genetic science and technology has only begun. The issues demand continuing dialogue at all levels of the church as persons from diverse perspectives seek to discern and live out God's vision for creation." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," II)

Genetic techniques have enormous potential for sustaining creation and, for some, improving the quality of human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human disease. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all. ("New Developments in Genetic Science," II.C)

Gender Selection

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We call on the church to support persons who must make difficult decisions regarding genetic information related to reproduction. We urge that the church support efforts to improve the quality of genetic testing on embryos and fetuses so that accurate information is provided to couples and their doctors about genetic conditions. We reaffirm the United Methodist position opposing the termination of pregnancy solely for the purpose of gender selection." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VII.2)

Gene Therapy/Genetic Engineering

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"The responsibility of humankind to God’s creation challenges us to deal carefully with and examine the possibilities of genetic research and technology in a conscientious, careful, and responsible way. We welcome the use of genetic technology for meeting fundamental human needs for health and a safe environment.

Because of the effects of genetic technologies on all life, we call for effective guidelines and public accountability to safeguard against any action that might lead to abuse of these technologies, including political or military ends. We recognize that cautious, well-intended use of genetic technologies may sometimes lead to unanticipated harmful consequences. The risks of genetic technology that can hardly be calculated when breeding animals and plants and the negative ecological and social impacts on agriculture make the use of this technology doubtful. We approve modern methods of breeding that respect the existence of the natural borders of species.

Human gene therapies that produce changes that cannot be passed to offspring (somatic therapy) should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. Genetic therapies for eugenic choices or that produce waste embryos are deplored. . . . Because its long-term effects are uncertain, we oppose genetic therapy that results in changes that can be passed to offspring (germ-line therapy). All the genetic procedures must be accompanied by independent, ethically oriented measures of testing, approval, and control." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual that cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. We are concerned by reports of deaths of patients in somatic-gene research programs and urge that strengthened guidelines and government regulations be developed for the use of all somatic gene therapies. We oppose human germ-line therapies (those that result in changes that can be passed to offspring) because of the possibility of unintended consequences and of abuse. We are concerned that both the US and the United Kingdom are considering approving the first experiments that would deliberately change the DNA of a human embryo. With current technology it is not possible to know if artificially introduced genes will have unexpected or delayed long-term effects not identifiable until the genes have been dispersed in the population.

Furthermore, we urge that government regulations and professional organization guidelines be developed and effectively implemented for all gene therapies. Given the reports of deaths from somatic gene therapies and the development of genetically engineered leukemia in some patients undergoing somatic-gene therapy, we urge a careful reexamination of the appropriateness of this therapy." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.c)

Genetic Screening

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions. We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.a-b)

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Because its long-term effects are uncertain, we oppose genetic therapy that results in changes that can be passed to offspring (germ-line therapy)." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Genetic Testing

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions. We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1.a-b)

Patenting of Human Tissue/Gene Patenting

The UMC is against patenting of human genes and the patenting of new life forms, while there is permissibility to patent the processes used to create a new organism.

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"In 1984, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church declared genes to be a part of the common heritage of all peoples. Therefore, exclusive ownership rights of genes, organisms, and cells as a means of making genetic technologies accessible raises serious theological concerns and profound ethical concerns. While patents on organisms, cells, and genes themselves are opposed, process patents—wherein the method for engineering a new organism is patented—provide a means of economic return on investment while avoiding exclusive ownership of the organism and can be supported." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," V)

Note: in the updates from the 2008 to the 2016 version of The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, the following line has been removed, but is included here for historical purposes.

"We urge that genes, cells and all living organisms be held as common resources and not be exclusively controlled, or patented. We support improvements in the procedures for granting patents on processes and techniques as a way to reward new developments in this area, although we recognize that even process patents should be limited when they are in effect discoveries of how God makes the processes of living organism." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.A.1, in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2008.)

Human Enhancement

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"The responsibility of humankind to God’s creation challenges us to deal carefully with and examine the possibilities of genetic research and technology in a conscientious, careful, and responsible way. We welcome the use of genetic technology for meeting fundamental human needs for health and a safe environment.

Because of the effects of genetic technologies on all life, we call for effective guidelines and public accountability to safeguard against any action that might lead to abuse of these technologies, including political or military ends. We recognize that cautious, well-intended use of genetic technologies may sometimes lead to unanticipated harmful consequences.

"Human gene therapies that produce changes that cannot be passed to offspring (somatic therapy) should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual that cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," Vi.A.1.c)http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/new-developments-in-genetic-science</ref>

Note: the preceding section is an update from the 2008 Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. This older statement is included below for historical purposes.

"We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual which cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. We urge that guidelines and government regulations be developed for the use of all somatic gene therapies. We oppose human germ-line therapies (those that result in changes that can be passed to offspring) because of the possibility of unintended consequences and of abuse. With current technology it is not possible to know if artificially introduced genes will have unexpected or delayed long-term effects not identifiable until the genes have been dispersed in the population. We oppose both somatic and germ-line therapies when they are used for eugenic purposes or enhancements, that is, to provide only cosmetic change or to provide social advantage. Furthermore, we urge that government regulations and professional organization guidelines be developed and effectively implemented for all gene therapies." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," VI.B.1.c, in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2008.)

Human Research Ethics

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Physical and mental health has been greatly enhanced through discoveries by medical science. It is imperative, however, that governments and the medical profession carefully enforce the requirements of the prevailing medical research standard, maintaining rigid controls in testing new technologies and drugs utilizing human beings. The standard requires that those engaged in research shall use human beings as research subjects only after obtaining full, rational, and uncoerced consent." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")

Experimentation on Human Embryos

Official Statement: from "Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"The use of human embryos as a source for stem cells has been the subject of intense moral debate.

Given the reality that most, if not all, excess embryos will be discarded, we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes. This position is a matter of weighing the danger of further eroding the respect due to potential life against the possible, therapeutic benefits that are hoped for from such research. The same judgment of moral tolerability would apply to the use of embryos left from future reproductive efforts if a decision has been made not to introduce them into the womb. We articulate this position with an attitude of caution, not license. We reiterate our opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research. (See Book of Resolutions, 2000, p. 254)("Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research")

End of Life

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Even when one accepts the inevitability of death, the Church and society must continue to provide faithful care, including pain relief, companionship, support, and spiritual nurture for the dying person in the hard work of preparing for death. We encourage and support the concept of hospice care whenever possible at the end of life. Faithful care does not end at death but continues during bereavement as we care for grieving families. We reject euthanasia and any pressure upon the dying to end their lives. God has continued love and purpose for all persons, regardless of health. We affirm laws and policies that protect the rights and dignity of the dying." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons")

Extraordinary Measures

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Care for dying persons is part of our stewardship of the divine gift of life when cure is no longer possible. We encourage the use of medical technologies to provide palliative care at the end of life when life-sustaining treatments no longer support the goals of life, and when they have reached their limits. There is no moral or religious obligation to use these when they impose undue burdens or only extend the process of dying. Dying persons and their families are free to discontinue treatments when they cease to be of benefit to the patient." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons")

Physician-Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Even when one accepts the inevitability of death, the Church and society must continue to provide faithful care, including pain relief, companionship, support, and spiritual nurture for the dying person in the hard work of preparing for death. We encourage and support the concept of hospice care whenever possible at the end of life. Faithful care does not end at death but continues during bereavement as we care for grieving families. We reject euthanasia and any pressure upon the dying to end their lives. God has continued love and purpose for all persons, regardless of health. We affirm laws and policies that protect the rights and dignity of the dying." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons")

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Suicide" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We believe that suicide is not the way a human life should end. Often suicide is the result of untreated depression, or untreated pain and suffering. The church has an obligation to see that all persons have access to needed pastoral and medical care and therapy in those circumstances that lead to loss of self-worth, suicidal despair, and/or the desire to seek physician-assisted suicide.

The Church opposes assisted suicide and euthanasia." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Suicide")

Withholding & Withdrawing Treatment

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Care for dying persons is part of our stewardship of the divine gift of life when cure is no longer possible. We encourage the use of medical technologies to provide palliative care at the end of life when life-sustaining treatments no longer support the goals of life, and when they have reached their limits. There is no moral or religious obligation to use these when they impose undue burdens or only extend the process of dying. Dying persons and their families are free to discontinue treatments when they cease to be of benefit to the patient." ("Social Principles: The Nurturing Community - Faithful Care for Dying Persons")

Issues of Human Dignity & Discrimination

Disability Ethics

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"We recognize and affirm the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities as full members of the family of God.

We also affirm their rightful place in both the Church and society. We affirm the responsibility of the Church and society to be in ministry with children, youth, and adults with mental, physical, developmental, and/or psychological and neurological conditions or disabilities whose particular needs in the areas of mobility, communication, intellectual comprehension, or personal relationships might make more challenging their participation or that of their families in the life of the Church and the community.

We urge the Church and society to recognize and receive the gifts of persons with disabilities to enable them to be full participants in the community of faith. We call the Church and society to be sensitive to, and advocate for, programs of rehabilitation, services, employment, education, appropriate housing, and transportation. We call on the Church and society to protect the civil rights of persons with all types and kinds of disabilities." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Rights of Persons with Disabilities")

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Right to Health Care" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"The right to health care includes care for persons with brain diseases, neurological conditions, or physical disabilities, who must be afforded the same access to health care as all other persons in our communities. It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Right to Health Care")

Eugenics

See also See contraception and population control – the UMC is against forced sterilization and forced abortion. Official Statement: from "New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Genetic techniques have enormous potential for sustaining creation and, for some, improving the quality of human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human disease. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all." ("New Developments in Genetic Science," II.C)

Official Statement: from "Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology" in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016 (United Methodist Publishing House, 2016)

"Genetic therapies for eugenic choices or that produce waste embryos are deplored." ("Social Principles: The Social Community - Genetic Technology")