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Abortion: A Social Justice Issue Through the Lens of Catholic Teaching
Omar Ezinne
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School
HRE4O1-06 - Religious Education
Mr. DiClaudio
May 29, 2025
Abortion has been a major source of discussion and discourse between many of our
generation. It has given rise to protests, disagreements, new federal policies, and so much more.
Although this is the case, many still do not know very much about what abortion is, what it does,
who is affected and whether or not they should be in support or disagree with it.
People discuss abortion under several different aspects like medical, ethical, legal and
human rights angles. Abortion is performed medically to end a pregnancy, and this can happen
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either through surgery or with medicine. Because of this, people discuss matters concerning
women’s physical independence, the rights of unborn children, and health care. Different countries
have different laws on how they treat abortion. Some countries permit it under certain
circumstances, others have strict rules against it, while some even ban it completely. Many
organizations and supporters of abortion believe that the lack of proper access to abortion services
is a serious concern for human rights and public health. This is because unsafe abortions can lead
to serious health issues, and in worse case scenarios, death. Others carry a different stance, in
which they believe that abortion is immoral and unjustifiable under any circumstance. The topic
of abortion has given rise to high tensions among people, communities, and society itself.
The Catholic church maintains a firm stance against abortion as it goes against all that Jesus
taught. They view it as a complete moral wrong and a sin against God that cannot be justified
under any circumstance. They hold this stance as they believe that all life should be respected and
protected as soon as it is concepted and view the act of abortion as a violation of life. The Church
teaches that abortion is against the Fifth Commandment since it kills an innocent human. While
continually supporting the pro-life belief, the Church insists on compassion, healing, and
forgiveness for those who seek abortion. In his public speeches, Pope Francis has encouraged
people to be merciful and to have understanding and he has given all priests the ability to forgive
the sin of abortion. Controversial ideas or law changes don’t alter what the Church teaches: life
must be safeguarded from the beginning until death and society should care for those most at risk
such as the unborn World Health Organization reports
Abortion is a global issue that has affected many people from all walks of life, not just
nationally or locally. Millions of people deal with it every day, and it affects their lives in all sorts
of ways. The World Health Organization has reported that about 73 million abortions take place
around the world, and most of these take place in unsafe conditions which cause serious health
risks and, at times, lead to death. Laws in Canada allow women to have free reign over their bodies
which leads to allowing them to freely chose to abort if they wish. Comparably, in the United
States, since there have been major law changes, there are states where abortion is permitted
without limits, whereas others require stricter rules and won’t permit it for rape or incest victims.
However, there are some countries in which they have very strict rules against it and sometimes
even outright ban it. All these differences that are found within these countries and even people
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are all related back to the different cultures, religions and societal standards that are present within
each community.
The impact of abortion on society and even individuals is multifaceted because it affects
them differently depending on the moral, religious, and personal stance of the individual. To some
women, particularly those with unwanted or life-endangering pregnancies, safe abortion has
become a lifeline healthcare that rescues them from bodily and emotional harm. Evidence indicates
that, if abortion is available, women are more likely to complete education, stay in the labor force,
and better care for the children they already have. These results have long-term advantages for
families and society. Abortion awareness needs to be framed as a social justice issue because it
resonates with core human rights, such as the right to life, health, autonomy over one's body, and
equality. Learning the various levels of the abortion debate can inform people and societies so that
they may engage in wiser and more empathetic conversations.
In conclusion, it is not to offer but a lone perspective, but to foster understanding, empathy,
and justice in dealing with an intimately personal and evolving concern. And even with such
differing stances, the public debate over abortion continues and undergoes change due to legal
developments, cultural mores, and personal experiences. The case remains argued and affects
individuals and society negatively and positively.
Works Cited
Richardson, S. (2022, August 5). Beyond the individual: Research shows abortion access has
widespread benefits. Ipas. https://www.ipas.org/news/beyond-the-individual-researchshows-abortion-access-has-widespread-benefits/
Abortion hurts society. (n.d.). Prolifemichiana. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from
https://www.prolifemichiana.org/ah-society
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CNA. (n.d.). The Catholic Church and abortion. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved May 29,
2025, from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55397/the-catholic-churchand-abortion.
Respect for unborn human life: The church’s constant teaching. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May
29, 2025, from https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-anddignity/abortion/respect-for-unborn-human-life
World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, May 17). Abortion. World Health Organization:
WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion