The morality and the legality of abortion is an important personal and political issue throughout the world.  Catholic support for legal abortion is grounded in core principles of Catholic theology, which respect the moral agency of all women.  It is bolstered by respect for the religious freedom and rights of people of all faiths and no religious faith, by respect for plural and tolerant democratic societies and, most importantly, by adherence to the Catholic principle of standing with the poor and marginalized of the world who are disproportionately women.

Within this context, Catholics worldwide support the right of all women to follow their conscience when deciding about abortion.

CFC also believes that rights should be exercised responsibly, which includes personal responsibility for pregnancy prevention and society's responsibility to provide education, health care and economic security that will enable women to prevent pregnancy and have the children they want in a climate that welcomes all.

Go to the Abortion Library