[royalcello]

Does Catholic teaching require one to make such a choice? I know the Church teaches that a doctor can never deliberately kill the baby. But it would not be a sin to put the mother's life first, would it? What about the husband and the other children? They need their wife and mother. I know that were I in this situation I would want my wife's life given priority.

Perhaps this is a sign that I'm not ready to convert, despite following these Catholic threads regularly. I guess I find it much easier to side with traditionalist Catholics on the Latin mass, music, architecture, etc. than on these hard ethical cases.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

rc, I don't think require is the right term. Every effort should be made to save both mother and child. With current medical technology, it is almost never necessary to abort to save the life of the mother. Babies can be delivered early if the mother cannot carry him/her to term.

There is another distinction. IF a baby had to be taken early, even if it was likely to die, it would be considered acceptable as long as the child was not actively killed in the process. We had a discussion about this in regards to ectopic pregnancies. Someone here, can't recall who, gave a well reasoned approach to this dilemma.

[Land of the Irish]

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled.

12 This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you.

The Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Saint John
Chapter 15