Ethical andReligious Directives (ERD) for Catholic Health Care Services (6th ed.). (2018).
Paragraphs: 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 66 ( PDF is online)
Spontaneous vs. Procured Abortion and Ethical Impact:
Spontaneous abortion, commonly known as a miscarriage, occurs naturally without any intentional intervention. It often involves the loss of a pregnancy in its early stages due to various medical reasons. The ethical impact of spontaneous abortion is generally not considered morally wrong, as it is not a deliberate action.
Procured abortion, on the other hand, refers to intentionally terminating a pregnancy through medical procedures or interventions. The ethical impact of procured abortion varies widely based on individual beliefs, cultural norms, and religious teachings. It is a highly debated topic, with some arguing that it infringes upon the right to life of the unborn fetus, while others emphasize a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.
Contraceptive Pill, IUD, and “Morning After” Pill as Abortifacients:
The contraceptive pill, intrauterine device (IUD), and the “morning after” pill primarily function to prevent pregnancy. However, in some cases, they may have mechanisms that could potentially interfere with a fertilized egg’s ability to implant in the uterus. This possibility is what leads some people to consider them as abortifacients, as they might prevent the development of a fertilized egg into an embryo.
Abortion Methods Based on Pregnancy Stage:
Medical Abortion: This involves taking medication (usually a combination of drugs) to induce abortion, usually up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion:
Aspiration Abortion: Also known as suction or vacuum aspiration, this method is typically performed within the first 6 to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Used mainly in the first trimester, it involves dilating the cervix and scraping the uterine lining.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Commonly performed in the second trimester, this method involves dilating the cervix and removing the fetus using suction and medical instruments.
Induction Abortion: This method is used later in pregnancy and involves inducing labor to deliver a fetus that may not survive.
Roe v. Wade Case and Norma McCorvey:
Roe v. Wade was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1973 that established a woman’s legal right to have an abortion. Norma McCorvey, referred to as “Jane Roe” in the case, was the plaintiff. She initially sought an abortion but was unable to obtain one due to Texas law. The court’s ruling legalized abortion in the United States, but McCorvey later became an anti-abortion activist, expressing regret for her role in the case.
Better Alternatives to Abortion:
Access to comprehensive sex education and contraception.
Support for pregnant women, including medical care, housing, and financial assistance.
Adoption as an alternative to raising a child.
Promoting a culture of responsible and consensual sexual behavior.
Addressing social and economic factors that contribute to unintended pregnancies.
