According to Catholic beliefs, what is the stance on abortion?

The stance on abortion within Catholic beliefs reflects a strong commitment to the sanctity of life, which is rooted in the belief that life begins at conception. This understanding leads to the conviction that all forms of direct abortion are morally wrong, as it involves the deliberate termination of an innocent human life. The Catholic Church teaches that every human being has a right to life, and this right should be protected from the moment of conception.

Church teachings emphasize that life is a gift from God and should be respected and preserved. Therefore, direct abortion, which is the intentional ending of a pregnancy, is opposed by Catholics regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy. This belief is part of the broader moral framework within the Church, which values and upholds the dignity of all human beings.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where abortion would be considered acceptable, which does not align with the Catholic teachings about the inviolability of life. For example, the idea that abortion is acceptable in exceptional cases or in cases of rape contrasts with the belief that every human life has intrinsic value and should be protected.