Abortion
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Respect for Life from Moment of Conception (2270)
Human life must be respected and absolutely protected from the first moment of conception. The rights of the human person (especially the right to live) must be recognized from the first moment of existence. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I consecrated you" (Jer 1:5).
First Century Teaching (2271)
From the first century, the Church has taught the unchangeable truth that every procured abortion is evil. Direct abortion (willed 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" (Didache). "Life must be protected with utmost care from the first moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes" (Second Vatican Council).
Excommunication for Formal Cooperation (2272)
Formal cooperation in an abortion is a grave offense to which the Church attaches an excommunication "by the very commission of the offense" (Canon 1398 and 1314). By this excommunication, the Church wants to make clear the gravity of the crime and of the irreparable harm to the innocent person, to the parents and to society.
Right to Life - Inherent in the Person (2773)
The inalienable right to life of every innocent person is a constitutive element of society. Every person's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death does not depend on parents or the state. They are inherent in the person (Gift of Life). Legal protection must be given to the unborn child from the moment of conception. These laws must have appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights" (Gift of Life).
Care for Embryo (2274-2275)
The embryo must be defended, cared for and healed (like any other human being). Prenatal diagnosis is licit if it seeks to safeguard and heal the human fetus. It is gravely wrong if it is done to induce an abortion, depending on the results; "A diagnosis must not become a death sentence" (Gift of Life).
Procedures which seek the embryo's health or survival and do not involve disproportionate risks are morally licit. Producing embryos for exploitation or disposable biological material is immoral. Attempts to influence chromosomal or genetic inheritance aimed at sex selection or other predetermined qualities are contrary to the unique dignity of the human person (Gift of Life).
Euthanasia (2276-2277)
The sick deserve special help so they can lead normal lives. Direct euthanasia (ending the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying) is morally unacceptable no matter what the means or the motives.
An act of omission which (by itself or by intention) causes death to eliminate human suffering is murder and is gravely contrary to human dignity. An error in judgment (even in good faith) does not change the nature of the murderous act (which must always be forbidden).
Legitimate Practices (2278-2279)
Discontinuing burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary medical procedures or those disproportionate to the expected outcome is legitimate. In this refusal of "over-zealous" treatment, death is not intended but merely accepted. This decision should be made by the patient (if competent) or by those legally entitled to act for the patient (whose will and legitimate interests must be respected).
Ordinary care should not be interrupted even if death is imminent. Painkillers (even at the risk of shortening life) can be used as long as an earlier death is only tolerated as inevitable. Palliative care is also encouraged.
Suicide (2280-2281)
We are responsible to preserve our own life for God's honor and our salvation. We are stewards, not owners, and life is not ours to dispose of.
Suicide contradicts the human tendency to preserve life. It is gravely contrary to a love of self, a love of neighbor (because it breaks ties of family and friends), and love for God.
Other Issues (2282-2283)
If suicide is committed to set an example (especially to the young) the act assumes the gravity of scandal. No one can voluntarily cooperate in another's suicide. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, grave fear of hardship, suffering or torture can diminish responsibility.
Because God can always provide an opportunity for repentance, we should not despair of the salvation of the person. The Church prays for those who have committed suicide.
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