Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in contemporary ethical and social debate. For Catholics, the position on abortion is firmly grounded in the social doctrine of the Church, which promotes a vision of respect and dignity of life from conception to its natural end.
The Dignity of Human Life
At the heart of Catholic teaching on abortion is the belief in the intrinsic dignity of every human life. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “human life is to be respected and protected in an absolute manner from the moment of conception” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2270). This is based on the conviction that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses immense and sacred value.
Church Teaching
The social teaching of the Church holds that abortion is morally unacceptable because of its direct violation of human dignity. Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae, describes abortion as a “gravely immoral act” that runs counter to respect for life and justice (Evangelium Vitae, 62). The Church teaches that the right to life is the first of human rights, and that the protection of this right is fundamental to justice and the common good.
The Perspective of the Common Good
Catholic social teaching emphasizes the principle of the common good, which is the set of conditions that enables persons to achieve their full realization. Abortion, by ending a potential life, affects not only the unborn individual but also the social fabric as a whole. The Church holds that every life has a purpose and contributes to the common good, and therefore it is necessary to protect the most vulnerable, including the unborn.
The Role of Natural Law
The Church also appeals to natural law, a universal law inscribed in the heart of every person and which guides what is morally right. Natural law holds that human life must be respected and protected, and abortion is perceived as a violation of this fundamental law. This principle is not only based on divine revelation, but also on a rational understanding of morality that should be accessible to all, regardless of their faith.
The Response to the Crisis
The Catholic Church not only opposes abortion, but also actively works to support pregnant women and families in crisis. Through assistance and support programs, the Church seeks to offer viable alternatives to abortion, promoting care, solidarity, and love toward mothers and their children.
The Catholic Church’s position on abortion is deeply rooted in its teaching on the dignity of human life, the common good, and natural law. For Catholics, the rejection of abortion is not just a matter of religious doctrine, but an expression of a commitment to justice and absolute respect for every human life from the moment of conception.
