Pro Choice as a Catholic
Currently completing OCIA as I am a cradle catholic who did most of my sacraments except for my confirmation. I dabbled into other denominations around COVID; however, returned to Catholicism a couple years ago. I am particularly in OCIA because I am to be married in the Catholic Church next year. My fiancé and I have been regularly attending Mass on Sunday’s and I always feel this punch in my heart when my church mentions abortion. I feel internally very passionate about the topic for some reason. I consider myself pro choice and believe women should have access to abortion as I consider it to be healthcare.
As a Catholic I personally would not get an abortion; however, I believe I can’t force my beliefs on others and must not judge and love all my neighbors. Overall, I believe we personally are NOT God to make such decisions for anyone on their behalf or take away bodily autonomy from anyone.
A lot of Catholics don’t believe abortion but abortion CAN be health care in cases where a fetus has died or is a huge medical risk to the mother?
Also, many Catholics are anti abortion but have no issue going through IVF if natural conception isn’t possible. With the same logic of abortion being against God’s will, Wouldn’t IVF also be going against God’s will? EVEN if is to bring life to one or two of the fertilized embryos?
I think this is a very nuanced topic and can’t be as black and white as it’s portrayed since every case varies.
I feel like the black sheep as a Catholic for wanting women to have bodily autonomy, for wanting a separate of church and state and for not wanting to impose MY religious beliefs on anyone. I also recognize and respect that others may have different religions and beliefs than my own.
Edit: posting to promote discussion and to better understand other perspectives on these topics. Would also like to be educated on how the bible might support these beliefs in anyways.