Christian Cyclopedia

Termination of pregnancy before independent viability of the fetus is attained. The practice has gen. been condemned by Christians, e.g., by syns. of Ancyra* and Elvira.* In many parts of the world, medical codes and civil laws regard willful abortion as a criminal act. Yet therapeutic abortion (when the mother's health, life, or reason is endangered) is permitted in most countries. Many non-RC moralists and theologians approve this practice. RC moral theol. condemns abortion as an end in itself but allows operations for other purposes that may also result in abortion. References to abortion are found in works on ethics.* Part of the oath of Hippocrates* reads: “… especially I will not aid a woman to procure abortion.”