By LAUREN COMSTOC
Unplanned pregnancies, adoption and unwed parents are the focus of a LDS Church video some BYU bishops have been showing in a combined Sunday school meeting for single students.
The video discusses what unmarried young men and women should do if they have an unplanned pregnancy and the alternatives they should consider. The video, 'Adoption and Unwed Parents,' also provides several statements from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The First Presidency states in the video that the most important thing a child can have is loving parents. 'A child needs both a mother and a father who provide love, support and all the blessings of the gospel.
'Every effort should be made in helping those who conceive out of wedlock to establish an eternal family relationship.'
The first option for unwed parents is to marry. If the parents are unable or unwilling to marry, they should consider adoption, according to the First Presidency.
'Unwed parents who do not marry should not be counseled to keep the infant as a condition of repentance or out of an obligation to care for one's own.'
'In many instances, an unwed parent is not able to provide the stable, nurturing environment so essential for the baby's well-being.'
The First Presidency suggests that parents who are unwilling or unable to marry should consider giving their child up for adoption. They also suggest that they do so through LDS Social Services to insure the baby is raised in a Latter-day Saint family and receives the blessings of the sealing covenant.
Several BYU bishops have opted to show the video to the single young men and women of their wards.
'Given the changing times of our society, it is important for the people of my ward and people in general to be aware of the church's position,' said John Robertson, bishop of the BYU 177th Ward. Robertson has shown the video to his ward.
'Not only should people be aware of it, but it makes sense and works in people's lives,' he said.
'Today, more than ever before, there is an increase in out-of-wedlock births and that is going to have its impact on the church and particularly the youth of today. As a consequence, people need to understand what the church's position is and be aware of it,' Robertson said.
Phyllis Clyde, an LDS volunteer who presents the video to the wards, agrees with Robertson. She says that bishops want the students to know what church policy is in relation to pregnancy out of wedlock.
'In my presentations, I just quote the general authorities,' she said. 'It is a wonderful video. It will give you a really clear picture as to what the church is trying to accomplish.'
The video is being shown churchwide, Clyde said. 'It's like what Spencer W. Kimball said that when there's a need in society, the Lord will reveal a program to help that society.'