CMW-WB-CH13

Chapter 13 Overview
Abortion is one of the gravest systematic injustices against human beings in the history of humankind. The
unborn baby is not simply an innocent human being; he or she is the most defenseless of us all. Scientific
advances in the last half century have clearly shown that from the moment of conception the unborn child is
biologically a completely unique human being. Like any other human being, the unborn child possesses a soul
and must be given the same rights and protections as any other human person. The Catholic Church has always
been steadfastly against abortion. She proclaims to the world the intrinsic goodness, personhood, and
inalienable rights of every human being.
In this chapter you will learn that …
■ The Catholic Church has always steadfastly opposed the practice of abortion and proclaims the sanctity
of human life to the world.
■ There is significant scientific evidence for the existence of full human nature and personhood beginning
at the moment of conception.
■ Human nature is not dependent on accidental characteristics; the true substance of a human being is
present throughout the course of his or her development, from conception to death.
■ Abortion is not only destructive to unborn babies, but also to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the
women who undergo it.
■ Unlike legal rights granted by the State, inalienable rights are those rights necessary to act according to
human nature and belong to a person by their very human existence.
■ History illustrates that the suspension of inalienable human rights by the State leads to grave injustice and
the violation of human dignity.
Bible Basics
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you…”
— Jeremiah 1:5
Connections to the Catechism
■ CCC 2272
■ CCC Glossary
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in
my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am
wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!
— Psalm 139:13-14 (NABRE)
© Sophia Institute for Teachers
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