What does
the Church teach about abortion? THOU SHALT NOT KILL.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.
My fame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognised as having the rights of a person- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law...
2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offence. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," (CIC, can. 1314) "by the very commission of the offence" (CIC, can 1314) and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law (Cf. CIC cann. 1323-1324). The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.
This site was last updated 16/09/03
