IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a letter directing local leaders to urge church members across Idaho to vote against the Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act on this November’s ballot.

The letter was read from the pulpit during worship services on Sunday and is scheduled to be read again over the next two Sundays.

If passed, the initiative would repeal Idaho’s current abortion ban and allow abortion up to fetal viability. The proposed initiative would also establish a new legal definition of fetal viability in state law, replacing the definition currently used in Idaho statute.

The letter outlines the official opposition of the Church to the proposed measure. “Our long-held stance on abortion remains clear and unchanged,” the Area Presidency wrote, reiterating the Church’s official opposition to the measure.

“As noted in a 2024 statement, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral regarding political parties and candidates and addresses issues it believes have significant moral consequences. We join with other like-minded individuals and organizations in working against this initiative and encourage our members to voice their opposition in a respectful manner consistent with our prophetic direction of always demonstrating Christlike love and civility in political discourse.”

Church leaders directed members seeking further details regarding the institution’s position on abortion to review official statements and resources published on churchofjesuschrist.org.

Letter from LDS United States Central Area Presidency