Religion and Healthcare – Mormon

The answers below were compiled from an interview with Kim Farah, spokeswoman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Q: Are there treatments or medications that are refused by Mormons?

A: In medical care, it is an individual choice. Families in the religion tend to be very close, but the decision would be personal, and not based on any doctrine or religious influence.

Although there are dietary restrictions in the revelation of Joseph Smith, there are no medicinal restrictions, and most healthcare procedures are considered to be acceptable, with the exception of abortion. Religious people can take prescription medications that contain substances such as alcohol and caffeine (which are normally considered restricted items), but they should not do so with the intent of consuming these ingredients and they should not become addicted to prescription medication. It is the individual's choice whether or not to take a certain medication.

Q: Does the Mormon faith have a history of traditional or herbal medicine?

A: There is not a tradition within the church. Some people, as in every other part of western society, choose to use herbal medicines or conventional medicines, but there is no direction from the church in these matters. Church members choose their own doctors, without any input from the church or its members. At the moment, one of the church's senior members (known as an "Apostle") is Russell M. Nelson, who is a surgeon. Other members of the faith are healthcare professionals, but many do not play a role in the church.

Q: Are there specific cultural methods that you would recommend to healthcare professionals who have to deliver bad news to people who practice the Mormon faith? If so, what are they?

A: As with most other patients, patients should be given information with support and understanding. And information should be accurate. Healthcare professionals should not try to make any changes to the regular western approach.

Q: What should a healthcare professional know about a Mormon's view of death?

A: Although a bishop from the congregation, or two elders would usually come to the hospital (before or after the surgery of a patient, and sometimes both before and after) in order to give prayers for a patient, after the death of a patient, there are no special services or rituals completed at the hospital.

Q: When faced with a difficult medical decision, who should a religious patient consult with? (Their family, a religious figure, someone else?)

A: The family bond is usually very strong in families that follow this faith, so the patient would generally consult with their family and an ecclesiastical leader. There is usually a strong support system for members.

Q: What is the Mormon position on the following?

A: Blood transfusions: There is no ruling on this. Members of the church can give and receive blood transfusions.

Organ transplants/donations: There is no ruling on this. Members of the church can give and receive organ transplants.

Birth control: Birth control is accepted and is up to the individual. Sexual relations should only occur within marriage, and people should not plan to abstain from having children, but the church does not tell people how many children they should have, nor are they against planning the timing of children. The Church recognizes that sex within a marriage is not only for the purpose of procreation, but also for expressing love and strengthening the bond between the couple.

Autopsies: There is not a ruling on this. Members of the church can choose to have an autopsy after death, or not to have one. Cremation, however, is not encouraged.

Abortion: The Church is against abortion, because of the commandment "thou shalt not kill." However, it is deemed acceptable for women to have abortions if: the pregnancy is a result of incest or rape; the health of a woman is judged by medical staff to be in serious jeopardy; or the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. Also, some women in the faith still choose to have abortions, against the wishes of the church, and this is a personal decision.

Background on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Joseph Smith, had a revelation, known as the "Word of Wisdom." This revelation included a health code that was given by God to humans. This code prohibits the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and "hot drinks" (tea and coffee), and recommends eating plenty of vegetables and minimal meat. The church says that a 14-year study of 10,000 adherent church members in California showed that they had a life expectancy of eight to 11 years longer than the general white population in the United States. For more information see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

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