Abortion

"I wish to restate as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life. In the same way, however, I can and must state that there is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father."
Pope Francis, Nov. 20, 2016
Apostolic Letter Misericordia et misera at the conclusion of the Extrardinary Jubilee of Mercy

Catholic Church Teaching

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law." (No. 2271).

Mercy towards women who have had abortions

While the Church teaches that abortion is gravely immoral, she also teaches that God’s mercy and grace are never far from those who have sinned and seek God’s forgiveness. Along with women who have had abortions, it is common that the woman’s partner, family, friends, the abortion provider, and even society at large, are complicit in reaffirming (or even guilty of pressuring her) to make the “choice” of abortion. God calls all to repentance and to seek his mercy.
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In the 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae, Pope St. John Paul wrote a special message to women who have had abortions: "I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life. "
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Resources

IN CALIFORNIA: California is incredibly hostile to life. Despite performing the highest volume of abortions in the United States, there is no reporting requirement. The California Supreme Court found that the state constitution provides a broader right to abortion than the U.S. Supreme Court interpreted in the U.S. Constitution. California has also adopted a Freedom of Choice Act providing a right to abortion even if Roe v. Wade is eventually overturned. Americans United for Life has ranked California 47th in the nation for life in its 2020 Defending Life rankings. Learn more here.

The California Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state's bishops, advocates at the state level. Information on existing and ongoing laws and legislation here.

NATIONALLY: On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court in its Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalized abortion on demand. Go here for a summary of the key U.S. Supreme Court cases.

KEEP UP TO DATE :
Action Alerts from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Go here. 
Action Alerts from the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment. Go here. 
Action Alerts from the California Catholic Conference. Sign up here.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Gabriel Project -- Be An Angel helping pregnant women
Advocate for public policy and legislative changes
And more!
Contact Maria Martinez-Mont, respect life coordinator, by email: prolife@sfarch.org
or telephone: 415-614-5533.

Respect Life Coordinator Maria Martinez-Mont
415-614-5533 
prolife@sfarch.org