What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about abortion?

Being brought up in the Catholic faith, the teachings and views of the Catholic Church in relation to abortion played an important part in my views and writings. I consider the teachings of the Catholic Church with regards to abortion as a way of expressing the value of life, of preserving life, and of expressing love towards the unborn baby. As one finds in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2322 ‘From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice.’ In other words, the right to life fully belongs to the child and it is a criminal practice to end such a life.

Paragraph 2274, from the same Catechism of the Catholic Church further explains that ‘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. Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, "if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safeguarding or healing as an individual.... It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence." Is society truly and lovingly defending the embryo and taking care of it? A healthy society must have a strong belief in God that recognises and accepts a person as from its conception.

Furthermore, paragraph 2271 explains the fact that ‘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: You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish. God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves.
Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.’

The teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church with regards to abortion explains to man the noble mission of safeguarding life, the responsibility each person is entrusted with by protecting life. This teaching is universal, is for all human beings to do the will of God by loving others. Life is a God given gift which needs to be protected, safeguarded and nourished as from conception for the glory of God.

As the author of this book, it was only possible for me to publish it as my parents protected, safeguarded and nourished my life as from conception. Even any reader to this book, it was only possible because your life was protected, safeguarded and nourished from the very beginning. With this same reasoning, this same opportunity to life is to be fully provided to the unborn babies and that their life is to be also protected, safeguarded and nourished. Life is for all to experience.

This reflection is taken from my book ‘Mum… let me live’   

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