[SoothingDave]

Bishops could always delegate, or set up programs like Project Rachel for this purpose.

I do see a difference between consumers of abortion (often young, ignorant, scared, coerced) and providers. The latter should have more scrutiny, but again it’s not unforgivable if repentance is there.

[tioga]

More info here. I believe U.S. diocesan priests have always had the ability to forgive all sins. This seems to apply to a small number of priests who operate outside of a Bishop and his authority.