Archbishop Excommunicates Those Who Helped 9yo Girl's Abortion

In summary, the conversation revolves around the controversial decision of an archbishop to excommunicate a 9-year-old girl's mother and the doctors who performed her abortion. The reasoning behind the decision is the Catholic Church's stance against abortion, which is considered a grave sin. While this decision is supported by the Church, it has also sparked debate and criticism from some who believe the circumstances of the case should have been taken into consideration. The purpose of excommunication in the Catholic Church is to discipline and serve as a warning about the seriousness of the sin. The public response has been mixed, with some supporting the archbishop's decision and others calling for a re-examination of the Church's stance on abortion in cases of rape and danger to the
  • #1
rootX
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The nine-year-old child underwent the abortion of twins she conceived after alleged abuse by her stepfather.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7929712.stm

I really don't understand why church would go against abortions in these like cases.
 
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First of all, if you're not Catholic, why would you care? Note also that the church doesn't answer to popular opinion. Secondly, any defense of the actions of the Bishop would require the defense of Church doctrine, which would be a violation of the posting guidelines.
 
  • #3
First and foremost, as a scientist, I believe in evidence-based decision making. In this case, it is clear that the nine-year-old girl was a victim of sexual abuse and was not physically or emotionally ready to carry a pregnancy to term. The decision to have an abortion was made in the best interest of the child's health and well-being. It is also important to consider the potential risks and complications that could arise from such a young girl carrying a pregnancy, both physically and mentally. I also believe in the importance of reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. Every person should have the right to make decisions about their own body, especially in cases of such extreme circumstances. It is concerning that the church would choose to excommunicate those who helped this young girl, rather than showing compassion and understanding. This decision only adds to the trauma and distress that the child has already endured. I support evidence-based and humane approaches to issues like this, rather than strict religious beliefs that may not always align with the best interests of those involved.
 

FAQ: Archbishop Excommunicates Those Who Helped 9yo Girl's Abortion

What is the background of the story about the archbishop excommunicating those who helped a 9-year-old girl's abortion?

The story centers around a 9-year-old girl from Brazil who was raped by her stepfather and became pregnant as a result. The girl's mother sought an abortion for her daughter, which is illegal in Brazil except in cases of rape or danger to the mother's life. The girl's stepfather was arrested and charged with rape, and the mother and doctors who performed the abortion were excommunicated by the local archbishop.

Why did the archbishop excommunicate the girl's mother and the doctors who performed the abortion?

The archbishop's decision to excommunicate the girl's mother and the doctors who performed the abortion was based on the Catholic Church's stance against abortion, which is considered a grave sin. In the eyes of the Church, anyone who procures or performs an abortion is automatically excommunicated.

Is the archbishop's decision to excommunicate those involved in the abortion supported by the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church's stance on abortion is clear and unchanging - it is considered a grave sin and those who participate in it are subject to excommunication. However, some members of the Church have criticized the archbishop's decision, arguing that the circumstances of the 9-year-old girl's case should have been taken into consideration.

What is the purpose of excommunication in the Catholic Church?

Excommunication is a form of church discipline and is meant to be a wake-up call for the individual to repent and return to the Church. It is also meant to serve as a warning to others about the seriousness of the sin and to uphold the Church's teachings.

How has the public responded to the archbishop's decision to excommunicate those involved in the 9-year-old girl's abortion?

The archbishop's decision has sparked a lot of controversy and debate, with some praising him for upholding the Church's teachings and others criticizing him for being too harsh and lacking compassion for the girl and her mother. Some have also called for a re-examination of the Church's stance on abortion in cases of rape and danger to the mother's life.

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