M
myo10
Guest
Are there any circumstances whereby Catholic Doctrine allows for the termination of a pregnancy? What is a Catholic to do when faced with a lethal/catastrophic prenatal diagnosis?
The reason I ask is that my daughter has just learned, at 23 weeks of pregnancy, that her baby has a very severe cerebral malformation, a condition known as ‘alobar holoprosencephaly’ meaning that, in this case, there is very little cerebral cortex tissue present, and that there is no division of the brain into 2 hemispheres. The brain stem is intact and some development of the mid-brain is present, but the forebrain is virtually not present. The cranium is filled with fluid. In addition the baby has a hole in her heart. Aminocentesis was performed today to test for chromosomal anomalies, Trisomy 13 in particular.
From her family physician to the neurologist, and all specialist in-between, there is a clear consensus that a termination of this pregnancy is the appropriate course of action. However, a termination is an abortion, I believe, even if labour will be induced and the baby will be delivered through the birth canal. This will likely occur in a week’s time, at a Catholic hospital.
A priest I spoke to on the phone suggested that this termination is an abortion, pure and simple, according to Catholic Doctrine, and my understanding of his view is that this is so regardless of the severity of the circumstances. I was not able to describe to him the severity of the diagnosis and the very bleak prognosis, and the recommendations of the specialists to terminate.
Clarification of what Catholic Doctrine dictates in this matter would be very welcome, and how a Catholic should act in this very difficult situation in view of that doctrine.
A response, sooner rather than later, would be very much appreciated, if at all possible, as we are in a fast moving situation and could benefit from expert (name removed by moderator)ut and guidance.
With thanks,
myo10
The reason I ask is that my daughter has just learned, at 23 weeks of pregnancy, that her baby has a very severe cerebral malformation, a condition known as ‘alobar holoprosencephaly’ meaning that, in this case, there is very little cerebral cortex tissue present, and that there is no division of the brain into 2 hemispheres. The brain stem is intact and some development of the mid-brain is present, but the forebrain is virtually not present. The cranium is filled with fluid. In addition the baby has a hole in her heart. Aminocentesis was performed today to test for chromosomal anomalies, Trisomy 13 in particular.
From her family physician to the neurologist, and all specialist in-between, there is a clear consensus that a termination of this pregnancy is the appropriate course of action. However, a termination is an abortion, I believe, even if labour will be induced and the baby will be delivered through the birth canal. This will likely occur in a week’s time, at a Catholic hospital.
A priest I spoke to on the phone suggested that this termination is an abortion, pure and simple, according to Catholic Doctrine, and my understanding of his view is that this is so regardless of the severity of the circumstances. I was not able to describe to him the severity of the diagnosis and the very bleak prognosis, and the recommendations of the specialists to terminate.
Clarification of what Catholic Doctrine dictates in this matter would be very welcome, and how a Catholic should act in this very difficult situation in view of that doctrine.
A response, sooner rather than later, would be very much appreciated, if at all possible, as we are in a fast moving situation and could benefit from expert (name removed by moderator)ut and guidance.
With thanks,
myo10