Particpating in an abortion, as a Catholic, is forgivable in confession. However, I would imagine the penance would be considerable.
Yes, but only by the authority of the local bishop. An ordinary diocesan priest cannot give absolution for abortion on his own authority. That being said, I've heard that most bishops give that authority to most priests in their dioceses, and thus the priests do not have to consult the bishop every time the crime of abortion is confessed.
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