Morality Final Assessment Part 3
The purpose of this informative piece is to create awareness about what the Catholic Church says about abortion.
The Catholic Church strongly condemns abortion or the termination of pregnancy, which is the “loss of a fatal life.” The church believes in the sanctity of human life as protected under the Ten Commandments, which are among the pillars of faith. The Firth commandment says, “though shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13), suggesting that abortion amounts to killing. Therefore, it is a violation of God’s law and sin.
However, some people might argue that a fetus does not amount to human life, and terminating a pregnancy cannot be regarded as taking a life. While this is a commonly used argument against the prohibition of abortion, the church counters it by affirming that “life begins from conception.” Therefore, abortion amounts to murdering this perspective since people commit the act several months after conception; “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.” (CCC, 2274). Thus, this is one of the things that Catholics should avoid so as not to sin against God.
One of the references that people can make to understand this important topic is Fr. Mike Schmitz’s teaching that only God has the right over human life since He is the creator. Therefore, only the giver of life has the authority to take it (Schmitz). Thus, any person who aborts sins against God by violating his law and intentions for humanity. Therefore, people should stay away from sins that amount to murder regardless of the intention since there is no justification for taking another life.
Another important source of evidence for prohibiting abortion in the Catholic Church is Jesus’ teaching about taking care of the defenseless and weakest populations. Thus, people who abort contradict the commandment and the teachings of Jesus when he was on the earth, interacting with people, are teaching them moral lessons that would guide their actions long after he was gone.
Furthermore, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the government is required by the church to protect the basic rights of families. The text reports, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception” (CCC, 2270). For example, the government is responsible for ensuring that children grow up in a safe and secure environment and that all their needs are met. Thus, abortion denies them the chance to live and enjoy their life and cuts short their right to enjoy basic rights.
While people have the right to defend their lives, abortion is a painful experience that most people undergo without adequate education, especially young people getting pregnant and aborting without their parental consent. Elliot Institution provides statistics revealing that more than 40% of abortions occur without the knowledge or involvement of parents. It means that many abortions are not only sinful but also risky.
Whatever circumstances you find yourself pregnant, abortion is not a solution as many young people erroneously believe. The Bible says, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16). Thus, even if you conceive in sin, abortion is not an answer. Remember, by committing abortion, you will be sinning against God by killing an innocent child.
Works Cited
Catechism of The Catholic Church (2003). https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
Schmitz, Mike Fr. Pro- Life Encouragement (2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=bsUc_Mku2FI