JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER
ABORTION: WHOSE SIN IS IT?
As a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, I publicly share my abortion experience, including at confirmation retreats with young men and women. They must understand the consequences and how one wrong choice can have a lifetime effect. After the presentation, I ask, "Who bears the sin of abortion? Their answer is consistent, "The girl."
Sadly, that is a misconception not just among young people but also adults. Yes, the woman having the abortion is committing a grave sin, but what about those who encourage her? What about boyfriends threatening to leave if she doesn't abort or parents threatening to disown or withdrawing support? What about the person who drives her to the clinic for the procedure? It is their sin, too, along with those who say, "I don't personally support abortion but believe in the right to choose," and those who remain silent.
The Bible is very clear:
Jeremiah 22:3: Thus says the LORD: Do what is right and just. Rescue the victims from the hand of their oppressors. Do not wrong or oppress the resident alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
James 2:10-11 says: For whoever keeps the whole law but falls short in one particular, has become guilty in respect to all of it...
As is the Catechism:
"Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense" (2272)
"Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being." (2274)
The reason there are so many misconceptions is that priests rarely discuss abortion from the pulpit. Abortion might be controversial and political, but first and foremost, it is a moral one and needs to be addressed.
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About the Author
Patti J. Mitchell (formerly Smith) is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, married and lives in Puyallup, Washington.
