Questions from Pregnant Women
Question
I am six months pregnant, and the doctors have confirmed that the child will be disabled. What should I do? Is it necessary to abort this fetus? Why is that forbidden?
Answer
Abortion is an act of killing. We do not have the right to kill anyone, even those with disabilities. And how do we know what this child will be like!
Nor can we guarantee the mother’s life if she has an abortion in the sixth month of pregnancy!
Question
I am five months pregnant. What should I do regarding eating? The doctor advised me to break my fast because the fetus is weak. Should I break my fast?
Answer
The fetus is formed before the fifth month. It needs nourishment. It takes its nourishment from you: it takes protein to form tissues, iron to form blood, calcium to form bones, and it takes everything it needs for its growth. Therefore, your food must be suitable for both you and him, the two of you together.
For this reason, the Holy Church has exempted pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, and the sick from fasting—of course, according to the level of need. So do not be afraid, my daughter, if you break your fast during your pregnancy in the fifth month. And if your conscience troubles you, be careful to exclude Wednesday and Friday from that breaking of the fast.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
