Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 384 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 384 – Part III. Can a handicapped child be aborted?

(Youcat answer - repeated) No. Aborting a handicapped child is always a serious crime, even if it is done with the intention of sparing that person suffering later on.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2273 b)  "The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined.... As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights" (CDF, Donum vitae III). 

 Reflecting and meditating 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2322) From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.    

(This question: Can a handicapped child be aborted? is continued)