The original Roe v. Wade decision was released on January 22, 1973, and created quite a stir, not only in the United States, but also throughout the world. It didn't take long for other countries to follow suit, opening up access to abortion.
It was in this context that the Vatican issued a Declaration on procured abortion, a document that detailed the Church's stance on abortion.
While written by the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it was ratified by St. Paul VI on June 28, 1974.
The document is not well-known in the Catholic Church, even though it attempts to refute nearly every argument against abortion.
Here are a few key quotes from this document, which should be read in full to understand the Church's stance on abortion.
1The Church has always been against abortion
2Respect for life is not simply a religious argument
3Science supports respect for life
4The Church needs to support women in crisis
Above all, this document is one of the most complete explanations of the Catholic Church's stance on abortion and is important for the discussion on how to address the modern world.
