Yep, even just a few highly visible excommunications would have a dramatic effect on the laity’s perception of the seriousness of the problem. How would that come about, though? Who would have to initiate the process?
And yes, you are right. It does not take rocket science to see that abortion is a profound moral wrong, whether one is Baptist or Catholic or whatever. Like the old saying goes, there are none so blind as those who will not see.
I would assume that Bishops can begin excommunication proceedings against those in their dioceses.
A perfect test case would be Nancy Pelosi. It was only a year ago when she was brought in front of the Church and admonished for her pro-abortion position and work to assure abortion was funded and easily performed.
Even after her admonishment she publicly claimed that abortion WAS acceptable.
Her recent health care boondoggle was a gift to the abortion industry and as we all know, as was the plan from the beginning, Stupak will be stripped in the final bill.
Action taken against her would send shock-waves across the Church and would go a long way in teaching Catholics that they can either be Catholics or they can fight for abortion, they can’t have it both ways.