[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.

[VidMihi]

This is a sad story with a family of crazy mixed up people, would anyone tell me how making a big deal and public announcement of the excommunication does anyone any good.

Everyone knows the Church is strongly against abortion.

Would not a more compassionate and private approach dealing with all involved be more consistent with the pastoral mission of the Church. What is accomplished by hammering people over the head with “excommunication” other than to make a few legalists scream with glee. This only helps to drive people away from the Church.