L. CICCONE

The author proposes to point out what the Encyclical adds to the already considerably numerous moral teachings on abortion provided by the Church. After briefly mentioning some new aspects which, in a certain sense, are marginal compared to the main point of the doctrine, the author describes how the Encyclical deals with the ethical problem brought up by the law on abortion, starting with the evaluation of this kinds of law and of the State that passes it. This evaluation that the Encyclical formulates in paricularly severe terms, but with good reason.
The solution to two of the most serious and complex problems in the Encyclical, which are a result of the legalization of abortion, is given: conscientious objectors and new forms that cooperation with performing abortion assumes. But the Encyclical also present significant new elements on abortion itself, and these are briefly underlined.
Finally the author demostrates the intense passionate love for man that traspires from the Encyclical which, if read too quickly or superficially, risks appearing as a series of severe, coldly formulated condemnations.