Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. 72 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. 73
Catechism number 2272
Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense.
The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime
against human life.
"A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae
sententiae,"76 "by the very commission of the
offense,"77 and subject to the conditions provided by Canon
Law.78
The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy.
Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable
harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and
the whole of society.