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.”
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.
Balance freedom with responsibility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative policy
- medical ethics
- public debate
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies define protected conscience?
- When does freedom become harmful?
May conflict with individual autonomy; defining “abuse” is contentious.