Catholics, conscience and abortion

In their pastoral letter about divorce, the bishops of Malta and Gozo stated that “at no point does Jesus specify of condition or manner in which divorce could be instituted”. In their declaration on conscience and divorce, which received plaudits and gratitude from the pro-divorce camp, seven prominent priests said that a Catholic “may also see that in this matter one is faced by the choice between two situations which both in themselves are harmful to the common good. It is legitimate, in this case of conflict, for one to choose the lesser evil after prayer, reflection and sincere search for the whole truth”.

In the wake of this latter, a few questions need to be asked. What is a concrete example of a “lesser evil” that they spoke about and which they believe can morally legitimise a Catholic politician voting for divorce, that is, the dissolution of a valid marriage with the possibility of remarriage? If in the future, abortion, another of the issues that together with divorce, euthanasia and same-sex-marriages, the Catholic Church considers as being non-negotiable, were to be put to the vote, may a Catholic “in spite of having all the necessary knowledge and having done everything to find the whole truth, in conscience (may) not see why to vote against legislation favouring divorce (abortion?). This one too has the right and the duty to follow what one’s conscience tells one”.

If in the case of abortion the priests concerned feel that under no circumstances can a Catholic vote for abortion, could they please spell out which issues and which conditions determine whether Catholics do or do not have “the right and duty to follow their own conscience”?

A large number of countries have legislation permitting abortion, the main argument being that it is a lesser evil to have abortions in hospitals rather than backstreet abortions that are carried out anyway and can be dangerous to the health of women. Are therefore Catholic politicians and voters morally legitimised in deciding according to “a formed and informed conscience” to vote for abortion because apart from the hazards of backstreet abortions, in particular circumstances such as rape, incest and grave disability, it is considered a “lesser evil”?

It would be helpful for believers in this country to have clear, simple and unequivocal answers to these questions.