"If the synod’s implementation phase is serious about its call to encounter each other across lines of difference, then we must talk openly and honestly about abortion, acknowledge its moral complexities, and listen to the wisdom and lived experiences of the many faithful Catholics who have abortions. The church cannot be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit on some issues while silencing conversation on others."

#Catholics #SexualEthics #SexualMorality #contraception #abortion #women
/11

"The truth is that the church hierarchy’s absolute ban on abortion is only about 150 years old — and we know how old the church is, right? The Catholic church’s so-called 'constant teaching' on abortion has changed significantly throughout the ages. It was not until 1869 that the Catholic church first prohibited abortion at any stage of pregnancy, and the teaching was not codified until 1917."

#Catholics #SexualEthics #SexualMorality #contraception #abortion #women
/10

"In the U.S., 63% of Catholics believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, and 99% of Catholic women have used birth control at some point in their lives. And considering that 1 in 4 abortion patients is Catholic, there is no denying that abortion is a part of the life of the church."

#Catholics #SexualEthics #SexualMorality #contraception #abortion #women
/9

"The synod’s Final Document, which Pope Francis approved on October 26, 2024, fails to address reproductive rights, effectively preventing discussion on the subject from taking place in the implementation phase.

Statistically speaking, participants in the synod likely have benefited from contraception, had abortions, or needed medical care for pregnancy loss."

~ Manuela Tironi

#Catholics #SexualEthics #SexualMorality #contraception #abortion #women
/8

theoverreachmonitor.substack.c…

Where the Synod on Synodality Fell Short

I’ve worked at the intersection of faith and reproductive justice for a while, and I’ve been tracking the Vatican’s promises long enough to be skeptical — but when Pope Francis announced the Synod on Synodality back in 2021, even I felt hopeful.

^{Manuela Tironi (The Overreach Monitor: A Catholics for Choice Watchdog)}