Principles on life in general

There is a simple principle regarding life in general: “You may not take a deliberate action to terminate an innocent human life.” This covers the entire spectrum of life from conception to natural death. It includes abortion, murder, war, suicide, self-defense, etc.

Regarding the life of a pregnant mother, there is “the principle of double effect.” If an action has two possible results — one good one evil — you may proceed with the action if the intention is good and the evil act is not willed. An evil act may not be performed to produce a good result. The good result must be proportionally greater or at least equal to the evil result.

For example, if a pregnant mother requires treatment to save her life but in the process her unborn child is aborted the treatment may be performed as long as the evil act — abortion — is not willed or precedes the good act.

Thomas J. Brandt

Arlington Heights