The Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion
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In the upcoming presidential elections, Catholic voters must face the Church’s unequivocal teachings on abortion, which affirm the sanctity of life and oppose pro-choice stances.
Voting as a Catholic requires one’s vote to comply with Church teaching. So what does the Church say about the moral implications of abortion?
The Church teaches that every human life is sacred from conception to natural death, emphasizing the moral duty to protect the unborn. She urges us to advocate for the dignity of every human being during their lifetime. This commitment to human dignity influences how we approach social issues, including abortion, as we seek to create a society that protects the vulnerable and supports women facing difficult choices.
Early Church writings affirm the value of life in the womb, emphasizing that all stages of human development deserve protection. While the Bible does not specifically mention abortion, verses such as Genesis 25:21 and Luke 1:41 strongly affirm the dignity of unborn children.
Additionally, in the first century, the Didache states, “You shall not procure abortion, nor destroy a newborn child.”This sentiment was also affirmed at the official Church Council of Ancyra. From the beginning, the Church teaching ardently supports the sanctity of life from conception onward, reinforcing the moral imperative to protect the unborn.
However, some continue to argue that the Church’s stance on abortion may have evolved in modern times, raising questions about her current teachings and their application in contemporary society.
However, it remains clear that the Church does not condone a pro-choice perspective.
As Pope John Paul II articulates in “Evangelium Vitae,” “A law which violates an innocent person’s natural right to life is unjust and, as such, is not valid as a law. For this reason, I urgently appeal once more to all political leaders not to pass laws which, by disregarding the dignity of the person, undermine the very fabric of society.”
This statement underscores the Church’s unwavering commitment to the protection of life, challenging voters to reflect deeply on their choices in light of these teachings.
In the article “Why Catholics Can’t Be Pro-Choice,” Catholic apologist Trent Horn writes, “As long as non-religious evidence can be provided from the science of biology to show that the unborn are human organisms, there is no political problem in advancing laws to protect those humans from being unjustly killed.”
Thus, the act of instituting a law that aligns with pro-life beliefs and protects babies is perfectly moral, as the law by nature fulfills the criteria for a just law.
Using our votes as Catholics is a powerful means to advocate for life, ensuring that more babies survive pregnancy and that women receive the support they need. By voting for candidates and policies that prioritize the sanctity of life, we can help create a society where pregnant women are not left with desperate options that could lead them to seek unsafe procedures.
We can promote comprehensive support systems—such as healthcare, education and resources for mothers—that empower women to choose life for their children. When we align our voting choices with our values, we contribute to a culture that honors both the unborn and their mothers, fostering a safer and more compassionate society for all.
Some politicians who claim to be Catholic nevertheless promote pro-choice legislation or endorse policies that contradict the Church’s stance on human dignity and the sanctity of life. However, the Church teaches that participating in or facilitating an abortion is a serious sin. This teaching invites reflection and compassion for all involved. It emphasizes the need for healing and support in the aftermath of such choices.
It thereby challenges the faithful to consider the implications of their representatives’ choices. Catholics are called to advocate for leaders who prioritize Catholic values in their governance.
By embodying the principles of our faith in our voting decisions, we can foster a culture of life that honors both the unborn and their mothers, ultimately shaping a more compassionate and just society. Thus, being Catholic serves as a guiding light and a call to action as we navigate the complex challenges of modern politics in unison with the moral standards that our faith holds.
Mercedes Skidd is a sophomore. She is the Pregnant and Parenting officer for Crusaders for Life.