From the Catechism | On Human Dignity
"Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person — among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you' (Jer 1:5; cf Job 10:8-12; Ps 22:10-11). 'My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth' (Ps. 139:15). Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable." (CCC, 2270-2271)
St. John Paul II explains this further: "The child then must be understood as the maximum expression of the communion between man and woman, the reciprocal acceptance and donation that is realized and transcended in a 'third,' who is that child. The child is God's blessing. He transforms husband and wife into father and mother. Both 'go out from themselves' and express themselves beyond themselves in a person, the very fruit of their love. In a special way the ideal expressed in Jesus' priestly prayer can be applied to the family. In this prayer he asks that his unity with the Father involve the disciples (cf. Jn 17:11) and those who believe in their word (cf. Jn 17:20-21). The Christian family, as 'domestic Church', is called to realize this ideal of perfect communion in a special way."
— St. John Paul II, "Responsibility for the Promotion of the Family".
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St. John Paul II's Prayer for Life
O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of Life: Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of Life with honesty and love to the people of our time. Obtain for them the grace to accept that Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, together with all people of goodwill. the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God. the creator and lover of life. Amen.
Prayer for the Gift of Life
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