Concept Detail

Abortion

glossary_term

Deliberate termination of pregnancy by killing the unborn child. Such direct abortion, willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life

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Catechism Passages

Passages ranked by relevance to Abortion, from most closely related outward.

§2271 CHAPTER TWO YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

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 CHAPTER TWO YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

Formal cooperation in an Abortion constitutes a grave offense. 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," 76 "by the very commission of the offense," 77 and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. 78 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.

Catechism of the Catholic Church © Libreria Editrice Vaticana