All About Abortion

• What does embryo mean?
  • A human embryo is the earliest stage of development of a human being once the egg has been fertilized by the sperm.
• What does fetus mean?
  • A fetus is the term used for a developing human person from 9 weeks onward. A human fetus cannot become anything other than a person.
  • Here are some amazing facts about the developing baby:
  • - By six weeks, the baby's heart is already beating.
  • - At six weeks, brain wave activity can be measured.
  • - At nine weeks, a baby's unique fingerprints have been formed.
• Is the fetus really a baby?
  • Yes, definitely! Let's take a look at these ultrasound images of a baby as it develops in the mother's womb.
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• Some people call themselves "Pro-Choice." Isn't a choice always a good thing?
  • God gave us all the ability to choose when he gave us free will. We can use this free will in many ways. We can choose the good by making choices that are for the good of ourselves or others. These choices support what God wants for us. Or, we can choose actions that hurt ourselves or others. These choices can damage our relationship with God and others. Essentially, our power to choose is neutral until we act on it.
• Lots of people talk about a woman's right to choose—shouldn't that be her right?
  • The choice of whether or not to have an abortion is a choice between life and death. Abortion is a choice, but it's the wrong choice because it is an act of violence to both the woman and the child she is carrying. Abortion always represents an evil act, even when the situation is confusing and scary. It is always and everywhere wrong.
• What should I do if a friend tells me she is pregnant?
  • Encourage her to be honest about her pregnancy. It may be scary, but honesty is always the best course. And help her to find the courage to talk to her parents and other trusted adults.
  • She will need your support in many ways. First, listen to her and let her tell you her worries. Tell her you're going to help her to get through this, and that she needs to focus her energy on what's best for her baby.
  • Support her by going with her to tell parents. If parents are worried or upset, that's natural. Hopefully, they will get over the initial shock and help your friend make the important decision about whether to raise the child with her family's help, or to place the child for adoption. Most parents can be counted on when the chips are down. Never agree to take a friend to an abortion provider.
  • If your friend and/or her family need professional assistance or advice, listings can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Abortion Alternatives." Also, the Office of Family/Respect Life wants to help - call us at 609-403-7192.
• What is Planned Parenthood?
  • Planned Parenthood is a national organization whose main objective is providing resources for "reproductive health and family planning services." Their philosophy and services oppose many central teachings of the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. Planned Parenthood performs abortions or provides referrals for abortions. Simply put, Planned Parenthood works against the values we share as Catholics.

Stem Cells – Hope or Hype?

• What is stem cell research?
  • Stem cells are tiny building blocks of the body with an ability to repair or even replace damaged cells or tissues and lead to cures and treatments for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Research on stem cells is a central focus of the medical community, because of the potential for helping persons with illness or disease. Stem cells can be derived from two distinct sources: embryonic stem cell lines or adult stem cells.
• Is adult stem cell research wrong?
  • This is a very important question! The Church isn't against stem cell research in general - we oppose only the research which destroys an embryo, because it's a human life. Adult stem cell research is totally acceptable.
  • Adult stem cells come from a living person or from umbilical cord blood. Science is succeeding in developing treatments from stem cell research that uses adult (also called non-embryonic) stem cells. Adult stem cells have resulted in successful treatment of dozens of illnesses, including diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and immune deficiencies, just to name a few.
• Is embryonic stem cell research wrong?
  • Definitely! Embryonic stem cell research destroys human embryos. Embryos are human persons deserving of our protection. Some people try to justify embryonic research because they believe it may lead to cures for certain disabling diseases. However, even the desire to find cures and help the sick cannot justify the killing of other human persons.

End of Life Issues

• What is euthanasia?
  • Euthanasia, which some people call "mercy killing", is the intentional killing of a human being, most often with the misguided goal of ending the suffering of a person who is critically ill, dying or disabled. Euthanasia is not merciful, because it denies a person the right to live. We demonstrate true mercy when we love people despite their disabilities and are willing to take care of them even if they are unable to take care of themselves.
• Some people say that people who are very old or extremely disabled should not receive expensive medical treatment. What does the Church say?
  • We believe that there is intrinsic value in every human life, including persons who are elderly or infirm. As Catholics, we cherish and defend all human life, from conception to natural death. We must always provide food and water as well as basic medical care for those who are sick or disabled. If a family is concerned about the level of care being given to their loved one, they can seek guidance from their pastor or the Office of Family Life/Respect Life.
• Is euthanasia wrong?
  • Euthanasia is the same as murder. It is never OK!
• What does the Church teach about capital punishment?
  • We believe that use of the death penalty in the U.S. violates respect for human life and dignity. State-sanctioned killing in our names diminishes all of us. Experience has shown that the sentence of death is prone to errors, and is biased by factors such as race, the quality of legal representation, and where the crime was committed. Sometimes, persons have been executed only to have their innocence proven after their death.
  • Even if a person has committed a horrific crime, our Church believes that only God, the giver of life, should have the right to decide when a person dies. It is our job on earth to love all people and do everything we can to bring those who have done wrong to reconciliation by teaching them about the loving forgiveness of God.
  • Of course, it is also important to protect innocent persons from harm. Since we have the ability to permanently isolate those who commit violent crimes from the rest of society, there is no good reason to resort to capital punishment.
  • For these and other reasons, our Church would like to see the death penalty abolished.

Speaking of Sex

• Is it weird to leave high school and still be a virgin?
  • It is not weird to remain a virgin until married. The majority of teens surveyed nationally say that they have not become sexually active. These teens are to be congratulated - not having sex before marriage is heroic.
  • On the other hand, teens often have serious regrets about their decision to engage in sexual intimacy. In fact recent studies show that 80% of sexually active teenagers believe they were drawn into having sex too soon. They cite peer pressure as the reason why.
• What is chastity?
  • Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person, which leads to the inner unity of a person's bodily and spiritual being. It is also described as the appropriate use of the God-given gift of sexuality. Sexuality is the beautiful expression of a loving relationship in the complete and lifelong mutual gift of a man and a woman - in other words, within marriage. We are all called to chastity - that is, to preserve the gift of our sexuality for our spouse, and to remain faithful to our spouse within marriage.
  • Chastity is a positive choice. For someone who is dating, chastity helps you to be free to enjoy getting to know persons of the opposite gender without worry or guilt. Saving sex for marriage is the best decision. It may be hard at times, but remember - you have the right and responsibility to name your priorities - for the sake of yourself, your future, and your future spouse.
• I really love my boyfriend and we plan to get married someday. Why wait for marriage?
  • As mentioned in the previous question, sex is meant to be an expression of love between two people who have committed their entire lives to one another. When you've found this person, the beautiful sacrament of marriage gives public witness to your promise to love each other fully, faithfully, fruitfully, forever. Waiting for marriage acknowledges your own inner beauty and worth, and the beauty and worth of the other person, such as your boyfriend or girlfriend.
• It's too late for me, since I'm not a virgin. What can I do?
  • Even when we make mistakes, God loves us. There is always forgiveness, healing and mercy for God's children. It's never too late to make up your mind to live in chastity, "from this day forward."
• What is safe sex?
  • The only true form of safe sex is abstinence. Some refer to "safe sex" as sex which is performed with artificial birth control such as condoms or birth control pills for the purpose of preventing pregnancy or avoiding exposure to disease.
  • Warning! Even the use of condoms is not guaranteed to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)…and abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy.
  • More importantly, using artificial birth control reveals that the couple is not ready to have a child. If you are not ready for lifelong commitment within the sacrament of marriage, then you are not ready for sexual intimacy.
• Who should I speak with if I am pregnant?
  • Speak to someone you can trust. A parent, teacher, guidance counselor, or clergy can be helpful in giving you support. Please know that God loves you no matter what situation you find yourself in. Your family and the Church exist to support you. Also, the Office of Family/Respect Life wants to help - call us at 609-403-7192.

Getting Involved

• How do I become involved in respect life activities? Does it take a lot of time?
  • Respect Life is a great way to express what we believe about how much God loves us.
  • You can be involved on many levels, and you can spend as much or as little time as you want to on Respect Life activities. You can start by living each day in a way that respects yourself and others, at every stage and every age of living.
  • Next, take time to pray for those who are defenseless and who need our love and protection. Next act by showing concern for those you know who may be in need of support. Check out how your parish supports love for life. Keep yourself updated by trying to learn more. We'd welcome your help, so give us a call or email us if you can find the time to volunteer for the Respect Life Ministries of the diocese.
  • Volunteer Form