What this means, as the analysis of the University of Detroit Law Review points out, is that the Supreme Court's decisions "allowed abortion on demand throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy" (Vol. 67, Issue 2, p.157, note 3).
The direct and intentional killing of an innocent human being is always wrong. An operation to save a woman's life would be permissible, even if it led indirectly to an innocent child dying. Here the purpose is not to kill the child, but to save the woman's life.
Patheos: According to Catholic tradition, what's the purpose of reproduction?
PW: When speaking about human life, the Church does not use the word "reproduction." Reproduction refers to things not persons. Instead, the Church speaks of procreation. Parents cooperate with God in bringing forth a new human life, created in the image and likeness of God whose life has a purpose and is ultimately destined to share eternal life with him. The Church refers to children as the supreme gift of marriage.
Sexuality is not simply biological because it involves the possibility of the transmission of a new human life with an immortal soul. The purpose of sexuality is both procreation and the good of the spouses. Sex in marriage of man and woman is holy when it is an expression of lifelong committed love and open to life. That is why Christ raised the marriage of a baptized man and a baptized woman to a sacrament.
The Second Vatican Council document "The Church in the Modern World" says:
"Married couples should regard it as their proper mission to transmit human life and to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with the love of God the Creator and are, in a certain sense, its interpreters. They will fulfill this duty with a sense of human and Christian responsibility."
Patheos: In a pluralistic society such as the United States, should Catholics advocate that the state outlaw abortion? Is there a difference between lay Catholics engaged in political discourse about abortion and members of the clergy and hierarchy?
PW: Real pluralism involves people of conviction striving to advance their beliefs by every ethical means at their disposal. In a pluralistic society people of faith should be free to promote their point of view. The protection of human life does not rely on religious arguments. This is a human rights issue, not primarily a religious issue. The vast majority of practicing Catholics (as opposed to those who were baptized but do not practice) support the Church's efforts to defend human life. In fact, the Gallup organization recently reported that more Americans identify themselves as pro-life rather than pro-choice.
Patheos: What elements of the Catholic tradition are lost in current political debate about the issue in the U.S.? Are there issues particular to your tradition that are obscured by the wider debate over abortion? What are they?
PW: The charge is often made against Catholics in the pro-life movement that the Church's social teaching with regard to helping the poor is obscured by the Church's attempts to defend unborn children, but I believe the charge is false. The Church continues in many ways to serve the poor and promote other human rights issues. The Church is involved in the debate over health care, the death penalty, and promoting government policies that help the poor. Today, the killing of unborn children is most egregious denial of human rights and this issue must be given a priority in our time. Also, if we fail to defend the rights of unborn children this will ultimately be destructive to the rights of other human beings who are declared "burdensome" or "unwanted".
Patheos: What are some of the ways that Catholics seek to offer alternatives to abortion?
PW: We realize that we have to do more than simply say abortion is wrong. We must help women who are pregnant and in special need. We oppose abortion not only because it kills an unborn child, but also because it hurts women. Many women choose abortion not because they have a choice, but because they feel that they have no other choice. Any woman who is pregnant and in need can turn for help to the pro-life movement. She never has to feel that abortion is the only option.
Below are just some of the organizations that we promote that provide alternatives to abortion:
Carenet/Heartbeat 1-800-395-HELP
Crisis Pregnancy Helpline 1-888-4-OPTIONS
Birthright 1-800-550-4900
National Life Center 1-800-848-LOVE
Bethany Christians Services 1-800-238-4269
On Oct. 15, 1984, the late Cardinal O'Connor of New York announced that "any woman, of any religion, of any color, race or ethnic background from anywhere, who is pregnant and without funds can come to New York, and the church will make every effort to arrange for her medical expenses, hospitalization and other needs. If she wishes to keep her baby she will be welcome to do so; if she wishes to give the baby for adoption, she will be equally welcome."
This promise continues to be fulfilled through the Respect Life Office of
the Archdiocese of New York.
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