[VidMihi]

While probably canonically correct, and morally right, there is a pastoral dimension in this story that seems lacking. The bishop is a Carmelite, one of those ordained by JPII, is over 75 and ready to retire and probably belongs in a monastery.

[Balt]

According to the Code of Canon Law, anyone who procures an abortion or provides material assistance in the procuring of an abortion, incurs a latae sententiae excommunication; meaning that no pronouncement of sentence is required - the excommunication occurs automatically upon committing of the act. Thus, the girl's mother, the doctors who did the procedure, as well as anyone else assiting, was already excommunicated before the bishop in question said anything about it.