Final answer:
Danforth delays Elizabeth Proctor's execution because she declares she is pregnant. The stay of execution is to ensure that the innocent unborn child is not harmed, reflecting the concern for justice and potential public response.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, Danforth delays the execution of Elizabeth Proctor because she says she is pregnant. Danforth decides to grant her a temporary stay of execution until the birth of her child, as executing a pregnant woman would be seen as unjust and could cause public unrest. This decision is based on the belief that the court should not harm an innocent unborn child.