The Catholic Church and Abortion

Student Name
Course ID
Instructor
Date of Submission
After watching the video and attached PDF file, answer the following:
1 Explain the difference between spontaneous and procured abortion. As well as their Ethical impact on each one.
Spontaneous abortion refers to the accidental destruction and ejection of the human embryo immediately after conception. The main cause of spontaneous abortion is chromosomal defects that are unpreventable (Rich, 2015). The pro-life groups believe that a human embryo has life and moral status similar to that of an adult since life begins from conception. They argue that given the moral equality between an embryo and a human adult, spontaneous abortion is morally incorrect. On the other hand, Procured abortion refers to medical or other forms of abortion deliberately procured (Swetz, Crowley & Maines, 2013). Procured abortion presents a moral dilemma since pro-life groups argue that a zygote is a unique human being and has the right to life since life begins at conception. Therefore the embryo’s right to life supersedes the pregnant woman’s right to elective abortion. Spontaneous abortion, also known as miscarriage, can happen due to natural or medical reasons, even though it's mostly considered synonymous with induced abortion (Rich, 2015). While it's possible to prevent procured abortion, spontaneous abortion is unpreventable even though good prenatal care can stop it. Many perinatal ethics advocate for a balanced evaluation of benefits against risks, even though it presents an ethical dilemma.
2 Why can the contraceptive pill, the IUD and the “morning after” pill also be considered abortifacients?
According to the Catholic Healthcare Directives, the contraceptive pill, IUD and the morning after pill are all considered abortifacients. Nevertheless, the morning-after pill can be used in a morally licit manner in a rape case scenario and is administered when the pregnancy test result is negative (Nairn, 2010). It’s a Plan B option issued within 72 hours and works by inhibiting ovulation, thereby preventing fertilization. It prevents pregnancy since fertilization cannot happen in the absence of an ovum.
Similarly, the contraceptive pill and IUD prevent pregnancy by preventing fetal implantation in the uterus. The Catholic Church and pro-life groups argue that ovulation and fetal implantation prevention through contraceptive pills and IUD can inadvertently terminate life if by any chance ovulation or fertilization takes place (Swetz, Crowley & Maines, 2013). Since they are used to stop life conception, they can be considered abortificients based on moral certitude. There constitutes a deliberate attempt to terminate life. However, when used as Plan B, the intent is not to destroy life but the act of the rapist from leading to impregnation. The contraceptives above are abortificients, given that they prevent pregnancy after fertilization (Talone, 2003). Yet life begins at fertilization. Therefore, the prevention of implantation of the fetus in the uterus constitutes abortion.e
3 Abortion methods, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Explain each one.
Abortions methods vary depending on the trimester of the pregnancy. Medical abortion is performed by taking mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec) pills. These two pills act simultaneously to terminate the life of an embryo or zygote and are used in the first trimester (Garvey, 2015). The second method is through Methotrexate and misoprostol (MTX) during the first seven weeks of conception. Methotrexate works by inhibiting cell multiplication in the embryo, while misoprostol works by contracting the uterus, ejecting its contents, and is used when implantation happens outside the uterus (Bedford, 2011). Vacuum inspiration, also known as suction aspiration, is used during the first and early second trimester (12-16 weeks of pregnancy). It is used as an alternative to medical abortion. The fourth method is Dilation and Evacuation, also known as D&E (Rich, 2015). The abortion procedure is used when the pregnancy exceeds 14 weeks. D&E combines vacuum aspiration and forceps. Sometimes, dilation and curettage (D & C) are used. On the other hand, the induction method is used during the second trimester when the pregnancy has surpassed the 24th week, and D&E can no longer work (Kaveny & Keenan, 1995). Late-term abortions are performed in the third trimester, and it includes induction and D & E.
4 Describe the Roe Vs. Wade case and provide a summary of Norma McCorvey’s life.
Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) was a precedent-setting case presented in the U.S. supreme court. The court made a ruling that the U.S. Constitution protects a pregnant woman's choice to terminate a pregnancy without undue government restrictions (Meyer, 2019). The court ruled that the Texas Sta...