Is Abortion Healthcare?
The following is Father Strebler's Pastor's Column for the weekend of October 14 & 15, 2023.
“ Let’s say ‘Yes’ to life and ‘No’ to death.”—Pope Francis, Message to Catholics taking part in March for Life in France- Jan. 19, 2014
Dear Parishioners:
One of the claims that is made by the pro-Issue 1 people is that unless Issue 1 passes, women will be denied life-saving healthcare. This is a false statement. Real life-saving healthcare is never denied—even in Catholic hospitals. What is denied is the taking the life as a child directly and calling it “healthcare.”
Catholic moral theology has as one of its guidelines the principle of double-effect. This is when a good act is done but causes an objective evil as a result. For example, if there is ectopic pregnancy and this is life threatening, the fallopian tube can be removed, even if this tragically results in the death of the child. However, the principle of double-effect holds that an evil act cannot be done with the intent of a good coming out of it. A direct abortion done with the intent of the good of the mother is never morally permissible.
Don’t let people tell you that the defeat of Issue 1 will be detrimental to true health care for pregnant women. Passage of Issue 1 will be detrimental to the lives of millions of unborn children. They will not see life at all.
We are a people who support life. We support true health care. As early voting begins, and on November 7 th , please stand up for life. Please stand up for the Truth.
Vote “NO” on Issue 1
Sincerely,
Rev. Charles F. Strebler
Pastor
