From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "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 human being to life." (2270) Abortion causes "irreparable harm... to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society." (2272) More of What the Catechism Says clear guidance from the Church The Church in America documents from the U.S. Catholic Bishops Since the First Century... the witness of the Church from day one