Skip to content

Abortion Quote by Pope John Paul II

“The legal toleration of abortion or of euthanasia can in no way claim to be based on respect for the conscience of others, precisely because society has the right and the duty to protect itself against the abuses which can occur in the name of conscience and under the pretext of freedom.” quote by Pope John Paul II
Download Open image
“The legal toleration of abortion or of euthanasia can in no way claim to be based on respect for the conscience of others, precisely because society has the right and the duty to protect itself against the abuses which can occur in the name of conscience and under the pretext of freedom.”

Pope John Paul II

About This Quote

Source Encyclical: Evangelium Vitae, 1995

Society must protect itself from abuses misusing conscience under the guise of freedom.

In simple terms: Society must limit conscience‑based abuses.

Key Takeaway

Balance freedom with responsibility.

Themes

ethics law human rights

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • legislative policy
  • medical ethics
  • public debate

Key Concepts

conscience freedom abuse

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies define protected conscience?
  • When does freedom become harmful?
A Different Perspective

May conflict with individual autonomy; defining “abuse” is contentious.

2.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Pope John Paul II

Explore all 525 Pope John Paul II quotes

More Abortion quotes

Browse all 1,629 Abortion quotes