What Is Life

Lawrence Said:

what is the roman catholic belief about abortion if the mothers life is at risk?

We Answered:

Ah I just wrote a paper that deals with this that I'll be presenting at a conference soon. The current Roman Catholic teaching is that an abortion is never to be willfully procured. If there is a case where the mother's life is in danger, a medical procedure (like a hysterectomy) may be performed that saves the mother's life while at the same time ends the child's/fetus's.

The doctrine that is used is Aquinas' Principle (or Doctrine) of Double Effect. This says that there is nothing that prevents an action from having two effects - one good and the other bad. As long as the intention is for the good effect, and the bad effect is foreseen but not willed, one may perform the act in question.

So in the case of abortion, an abortion can never be done because "abortion" means the "termination of a pregnancy". BUT, another medical procedure can be performed as long as the intention is to save the mother's life, even if the procedure will kill the child. The death of the child is foreseen but not willed, and in an abortion the death of the child is willed.

In my paper I contend that Aquinas would not apply the Principle of Double Effect to cases like these, even though the current Church does. If you're at all interested in this subject and why I contend what I do, let me know and I can email you my thoughts.

Rosa Said:

What is the Maximum life of the Building?

We Answered:

Till it destroys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rodney Said:

What is one of your favorite quotes about life?

We Answered:

dont sleep with dogs cuz you'll get fleas.

Jenny Said:

How important do you think love is in human life?.What is your favourite Quote based on Love?

We Answered:

Nice ones..

There are many many good quotes of course.. A simple quote that I like & agree with:


"Love is just a word till someone you meet gives it a meaning."

(:

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