But after confession and reconciliation with the church nothing else hinders a woman from becoming a nun.
Um, no.
I’m not sure why you would say this with such apparent confidence. There are in fact any number of things that may ‘hinder’ someone becoming a religious (male or female) -
*Can. 642 With vigilant care, superiors are only to admit those who, besides the required age, have the health, suitable character, and sufficient qualities of maturity to embrace the proper life of the institute. This health, character, and maturity are to be verified even by using experts, if necessary, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 220.
Can. 643 §1. The following are admitted to the novitiate invalidly:
1/ one who has not yet completed seventeen years of age;
2/ a spouse, while the marriage continues to exist;
3/ one who is currently bound by a sacred bond to some institute of consecrated life or is incorporated in some society of apostolic life, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 684;
4/ one who enters the institute induced by force, grave fear, or malice, or the one whom a superior, induced in the same way, has received;
5/ one who has concealed his or her incorporation in some institute of consecrated life or in some society of apostolic life.
§2. Proper law can establish other impediments even for validity of admission or can attach conditions.
Can. 644 Superiors are not to admit to the novitiate secular clerics without consulting their proper ordinary nor those who, burdened by debts, cannot repay them.
Can. 645 §1. Before candidates are admitted to the novitiate, they must show proof of baptism, confirmation, and free status.
§2. If it concerns the admission of clerics or those who had been admitted in another institute of consecrated life, in a society of apostolic life, or in a seminary, there is additionally required the testimony of, respectively, the local ordinary, the major superior of the institute or society, or the rector of the seminary.
§3. Proper law can require other proof about the requisite suitability of candidates and freedom from impediments.
§4. Superiors can also seek other information, even under secrecy, if it seems necessary to them.*
See:
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P24.HTM
Note that abortion is not specified here, although as you say an offence carrying a
latae sententiae excommunication - of which there are several, not abortion alone - would certainly disqualify someone prior to the excommunication being lifted. But as stated in canon 643 §2, in addition to the impediments listed above, a religious institute may add other deal-breakers as they see fit.
Respectfully, and with apologies for my finger-wagging tone (the written word appears to lack subtlety and kindness sometimes, I’m afraid) it is not helpful to make absolutist statements like yours quoted herein unless you have the requisite knowledge to fully support them. Bottom line is that there are manifold reasons why someone might not be admitted to religious life, and a prospective candidate needs to know this in advance: assurances to the contrary help no-one. Best wishes to you.
In Christ,
Withburga.
