25 Powerful Abortion Quotes from the Church
by CAPP-USA
Beautiful quotes about abortion from the Church
Our Top Quotes about Abortion
The Catholic Church has consistently taught that human life is sacred from the moment of conception — a truth rooted in scripture as well as in reason, science and natural law. This conviction exists across centuries and continents—from ancient texts to modern encyclicals. The Church has consistently upheld both the inviolability of life and the urgent need for compassion, clarity, and action.
Whether you are seeking clarity, inspiration, or guidance, these quotes reflect the Church’s unwavering commitment to the inviolable dignity of every human life and compassion for those facing difficult choices.
I. The Sanctity of Human Life
- “Human life is sacred—all men must recognize that fact. From its very inception it reveals the creating hand of God.” (Pope St. John XXIII, 194)
- “From the time that the ovum is fertilized, a new life is begun…It would never be made human if it were not human already.” (Declaration on Procured Abortion, 12)
- “Scientifically it’s a human life. The textbooks teach us that.” (Pope Francis)
- “You shall not kill the embryo by abortion.” (Didache, 2:2 — First Century)
- “Thou shalt not murder a child by abortion.” (Epistle of Barnabas, 19:5, ca. 70–132 AD)
II. Life and the Law of God
- “Whoever attacks human life attacks God’s very self.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 9)
- “The inviolability of the person… is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)
- “[N]o law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illicit, since it is contrary to the Law of God which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 62)
- “Human life does not belong to society, nor does it belong to public authority in any form to recognize this right for some and not for others.” (Declaration on Procured Abortion, 11)
- “Human law can abstain from punishment, but it cannot declare to be right what would be opposed to the natural law.” (Declaration on Procured Abortion, 21)
III. Freedom, Rights, and False Arguments
- “[O]ne can never claim freedom of opinion as a pretext for attacking the rights of others, most especially the right to life.” (Declaration on Procured Abortion, 2)
- “All publicly recognized freedom is always limited by the certain rights of others.” (Declaration on Procured Abortion, 15)
- “Sometimes we hear people say, ‘You Catholics do not accept abortion; it’s a problem with your faith.’ No, the problem is pre-religious. Faith has nothing to do with it.” (Pope Francis)
- “It is not right to ‘do away with’ a human being, however small, in order to solve a problem. It is like hiring a hit man to solve a problem.” (Pope Francis)
IV. The Church’s Teaching and Societal Consequences
- “[T]he Church’s teaching on this point is clear: human life is sacred and inviolable.” (Pope Francis)
- “It simply states in canon law that the killing of an innocent child is incompatible with going to Communion, where one receives the Body of Christ.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
- “The fact that legislation in many countries… has determined not to punish these practices against life, and even to make them altogether legal, is both a disturbing symptom and a significant cause of grave moral decline.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 4)
- “[T]he moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation must accord them, the State is denying the equality of all before the law.” (Instruction on Respect for Human Life, III, a)
- “It pains me to say this. In the last century the entire world was scandalized over what the Nazis were doing to maintain the purity of the race. Today we do the same thing, but with white gloves.” (Pope Francis)
- “Politicians must commit themselves, through their interventions upon public opinion, to securing in society the widest possible consensus on such essential points.” (Instruction on Respect for Human Life, III, a)
V. Pastoral Compassion and Healing
- “Every child who… is condemned unjustly to being aborted bears the face of Jesus Christ.” (Pope Francis, 2)
- “I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion… Certainly, what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 99)
- “It will likewise be necessary… to provide [for] women who, having unfortunately already had an abortion, are now experiencing the full moral and existential tragedy of it.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
- “The acceptance of life strengthens moral fiber and makes people capable of mutual help.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 28)
- “Whatever the cause, single parents must receive encouragement and support from other families in the Christian community.” (Pope Francis, 252)
Final Reflection
The Church’s stance on abortion is not a political position or private doctrine—it is a public witness to the dignity of every human being, rooted in both reason and revelation. These quotes express more than moral clarity; they offer a call to conscience, compassion, and courageous advocacy. In a culture that often confuses choice with freedom and autonomy with dignity, the Church reminds us: life is always a gift, and love—true love—protects the most vulnerable.
READ MORE:
