Former US President Jimmy Carter will not stand up for abortion because it is in "conflict" with his Christian faith.

"I have never believed that Jesus would be in favour of abortion, unless it was the result of rape or incest, or the mother's life was in danger. That's been the only conflict I've had in my career between political duties and Christian faith," Carter recently told The New York Times.

As for gay marriage, Carter said Jesus Christ never said anything against it in the Bible.

"Christ habitually reached out to the downtrodden and the outcast. That was the whole pattern of his ministry. Of course, Jesus never said anything about gay marriage in the Bible, but I believe he would be amenable to the union of two people who loved each other and didn't hurt anyone else," he said.

Abortion is a very sensitive issue in America nowadays, especially after a Planned Parenthood official was caught on video casually discussing about their abortion procedures and the sale of foetal body parts.

Politicians have expressed mixed views on the abortion issue, while some have chosen to remain mum. According to a Gallup poll taken last May, 50 percent of Americans are pro-choice on the issue, while 44 percent identify themselves as pro-life. The poll also revealed that 68 percent of Democrats believe that abortion should be pro-choice, while only 31 percent of Republicans think so.

Carter, a Democrat, said he is pro-life, adding that his views stem from his deep-rooted Christian faith. "It's hard to grow up with such a foundational system and just let it go. I deeply believe in many Christian values: love people; do the right thing; know that there's good in everyone; that God's looking out for all of us," he said.

Carter is a committed Christian and often teaches at his local church in Georgia. He used to be a Jehovah's Witness before he became a Baptist Christian.