Abortion in Marriage
Question from Judith Ann on 3/7/2008:

Dear Holy Experts, In a recent discussion, someone said that it is a more serious sin for a married couple to choose abortion than for a single person to do so. Are there different implcations or penalties prescribed in Canon Law for this delict?

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/7/2008:
If a person is aware of the penalty for abortion, which is automatic excommunication, then that person is excommunicated. In the case of a married couple, if the husband concurs and especially if he assists in procurring an abortion, he would be excommunicated as well, for formal cooperation in it. So, too, if the biological father of an unmarried woman were to consent and assist to procur an aboriton, he would be excommunicated. And, of course, abortion is a mortal sin, regardless of whether the penalty applies, and both would require a sincere Confession to be absolved.

Thanks, Judith

Father Echert

PS I am a "Scripture" expert so feel free to submit your question to a canon law category expert