"Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law."
Catechism 2271

Abortion

It is sometimes difficult to talk about abortion as a Christian. The topic is emotionally charged. Those who are "Pro-Life" often are frustrated with the mindset of others who say "It's a woman's right to choose." It's hard not to scream out or to fall into a state of desperation.

The behavior of some Pro-Life individuals who bomb clinics and attack doctors has served to strengthen the efforts of those who wish to keep abortion legal. At the time of this writing, a man suspected of bombing an abortion clinic is on the FBI's most wanted list.

Emotions are often hard to control. However, it is important to use reason whenever discussing moral philosophy. Only through reason can minds be changed. Only through prayer can hearts be changed.

Why Abortion is Wrong
Abortion is wrong because it is an act that runs counter to natural, eternal, and divine law. That is, abortion is wrong for the same reason many sins are wrong.
Abortion is murder, which Aquinas rules to be one of those sins that cannot be justified by any means or circumstances. This article will include an explanation of why murder is wrong and why abortion is the taking of a life. Thus, it will include an explanation of how and why life begins at conception.

Abortion and Rape
A column by Fr. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, explaining the compassion of the Church's teaching that abortion even in the case of rape is immoral.

A Look at the Words: Abortion, Contraception
Words alone often say a lot. The words abortion and contraception are no exception. Here, we take a look at the words themselves, the Latin roots, and the ways people are trying to change terminology.

The Cause of Abortion
Although there are innumerable mitigating circumstances regarding abortion, there is only one cause. That cause is the same as the cause of any sin: a "will lacking in the direction of the rule of reason and of the divine law." Abortions are conducted in order that a woman might achieve an end of not having a child, but in so doing, the woman acts according to a will that is not in tune with divine law.

The Prevention of Abortion and the Focus of the Pro-Life Movement
Having determined the cause of abortion, it is important now to seek ways to prevent it. This is done through education, prayer, encouragement, and the elimination of mitigating circumstances, such as laws that allow abortion.

Why there was no choice: A personal testimony
A young married couple fit into many of the categories given as reasons for abortion -- age, finances, school -- but never had a doubt as to what was right.

Parental Consent Laws: A Letter to the Editor
A response to a columnist in The Boston Globe who criticizes parental consent laws.

Pro-Life Columns by Fr. Frank Pavone
An index of Fr. Pavone's columns available here on Lux Veritatis.