ABORTION

Intro:
Abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy after conception. It allows women
to put an end to their pregnancies but involves killing the undeveloped embryo or fetus. There are
a range of moral and ethical issues which may arise about unplanned pregnancy and abortion.
Religious and spiritual beliefs might play a role in how one understands pregnancy, fertility and
birth control. Religious perspectives vary in their interpretation of when life begins, and whether
the pregnancy is given similar or higher value than the woman.

Body:
According to Respect For Unborn Human Life: The Church's Constant Teaching, a
document released by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life
Activities, the Catholic Church has condemned procured abortion as immoral since the 1st century.
The Catholic Church opposes all forms of abortion procedures whose direct purpose is to destroy
an embryo, blastocyst, zygote or fetus, since it holds that "human life must be respected and
protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a
human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which is the inviolable
right of every innocent being to life."
However, it does recognize as morally legitimate certain acts which indirectly result in the
death of the fetus, as when the direct purpose is removal of a cancerous womb. Canon 1398 of the
1983 Code of Canon Law imposes automatic excommunication on Latin Catholics who procure a
completed abortion.

Conclusion:
Clear guidelines for practice should be developed by a multi-professional and consumer
group based on an update of the abortion law to reflect the change from a surgical to medical
procedure. Clarification of Canon 1398 in relation to what is and is not participation in the
procurement of abortion would be of benefit with a conscientious objection. The major ethical
issues related to respect for autonomy, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining voluntary
informed consent.

Abortion and Ethical Considerations. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/83a92880452d4a61835cd3005ba75f87/Abortio
n Ethicical Considerations June 2014 PAC.pdf