Pope: 'Abortion resolves nothing, rather it kills the child, destroys the woman'
Pope Benedict XVI
His comments were made in reference to the question of post-abortion syndrome ( PAS) which was being examined by the assembly. "The issue of post-abortion syndrome - namely the severe psychological problems commonly experienced by women who have had an abortion voluntary - reveals the irrepressible voice of moral conscience and the terrible wound it suffers each time a human action betrays the human being's innate vocation to good," he said.
The moral conscience, said the pope, is universal, not something that comes from external pressure or emotions, nor something unique to Christians and believers. "Through moral conscience God speaks to each of us, inviting us to defend human life at all times, and in this personal bond with the Creator lies the profound dignity of moral conscience and the reason for its inviolability," he said.
Benedict XVI also spoke of the ramifications of abortion on the consciences of men. "In your reflections it would also be helpful to focus attention on the sometimes-clouded conscience of the children's fathers, who often abandon pregnant women," he explained. He also noted that care must be given to those experiencing trauma after abortion, reminding those suffering that even when they have rejected the truth, God offers forgiveness and healing.
Turning his attention to the medical profession the pope stressed that "doctors, in particular, must not fail in their serious duty to ensure that women's consciences are not tricked into believing that abortion will resolve family, economic and social difficulties, or the health problems of their child." He added: "In this latter situation in particular, women are often convinced, at times by the doctors themselves, that abortion represents not only a morally acceptable choice but even a 'therapeutic' act necessary to avoid suffering for the child and its family, and to remove an 'unjust' burden from society."
The pope concluded the point, saying, "It is necessary that society as a whole must defend the conceived child's right to life and the true good of the woman who can never, in any circumstances, find fulfilment in the decision to abort."
The complete address in Italian is available online.
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Young artist hanged herself after grief of aborting her twins
by BETH HALELast updated at 09:31 22 February 2008
A talented artist hanged herself because she was overcome with grief after aborting her twins, an inquest heard yesterday.
Emma Beck, 30, left a note saying: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion.
"I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital."
No counsellors were available to see Emma Beck in Treliske Hospital, Truro. The 30-year-old had made numerous 'cries for help' after her abortion
"I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does."
Yesterday an inquest heard that in the run-up to the termination Miss Beck discussed it with her GP, who described her as "extremely vulnerable".
She missed one hospital appointment and cancelled another before finally seeing a doctor at Treliske hospital in Truro, Cornwall.
But the counsellor at the unplanned pregnancy clinic was on holiday, so the doctor gave her the number of a "telephone pregnancy counselling service".
Eight days later, in September 2006, the same doctor performed the termination.
In February the following year, the night before her 31st birthday, Miss Beck hanged herself at her home in Helston.
She had recently split up with her boyfriend, identified only as Ben, who was said to have "reacted badly" to her pregnancy.
The Truro inquest heard that Miss Beck's mother later contacted the hospital, demanding to know why she was not given more support.
Sylvia Beck, 62, from Woking, Surrey, wrote: "I want to know why she was not given the opportunity to see a counsellor.
"She was only going ahead with the abortion because Ben did not want the twins. I believe this is what led Emma to take her own life, because she could not live with what she had done."
But the doctor who dealt with Miss Beck told the hearing she had received all the necessary care.
She said: "I discussed Emma's situation with her, and wrote on the form 'Unsupported, lives alone, ex-partner aware'.
"The clinic counsellor was away, so I gave her the number of the telephone pregnancy counsellor and encouraged her to ring.
"It is normal practice to give a woman the number when a counsellor is not available.
"I am satisfied that everything was done to make sure that Emma consented to the operation.
"She had already been counselled by doctors by the time I saw her. As far as I can recall, Emma did not express any doubts about her decision. There is never any pressure put on a woman to choose either way."
But she added: "We have since appointed more counsellors so there is more holiday cover."
Her boss at the clinic said: "The time that can be given to a woman by a counsellor is limited in a busy hospital.
"I am satisfied everything was done to make sure Emma was consenting to surgery. There were lots of individuals who would be alert to any doubts. The comments made by Emma's mother are not about a doctor I recognise."
Cornwall coroner Dr Emma Carlyon agreed to a request from NHS lawyers for the names of the two hospital doctors to be kept secret.
The court heard that Miss Beck made numerous "cries for help" after the termination.
In January last year, she tried to kill herself after watching a TV programme which featured foetuses.
Her GP, Dr Katie Gibbs, told the hearing: "Emma was extremely distressed by the abortion procedure, and I didn't think she ever came to terms with it.
"Emma had always been extremely vulnerable, but unfortunately always refused the help that was offered to her. She had a long history of anxiety and depression. Despite my best efforts, she was not willing to see a counsellor after the termination."
Mrs Beck told the court her daughter had suffered ME and viral fatigue, but had been bright, "studious" and hard-working.
She had moved to Cornwall to study fine art at Falmouth College of Arts.
In a statement read out at the hearing, Mrs Beck said: "Emma was considered a talented artist and sold a number of paintings.
"During the last year of her life, she was in love with Ben and they lived together. She was pleased when she became pregnant, but Ben reacted badly to the news."
Recording a verdict of suicide, Dr Carlyon said: "It is clear that the termination of pregnancy can have a profound effect on a woman's life.
"But I am reassured by the evidence of the doctors here today."
