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The Church teaches and has taught from day one that baptism is essential for salvation

Jesus promised the thief on the cross that day he would be WITH JESUS in Paradise. Some people don't see that as going to heaven, but we must remember that Jesus took everybody in Paradise with Him to heaven (Eph. 4:8). Now, did the Roman soldiers took the thief from the cross, down to the Brook Kidron, had him baptized and nailed him back to the cross? Of course not! Even if you don't agree that salvation comes before baptism, at least you have to agree that there are some "exceptions" when a person could go to heaven without baptism (and I am NOT suggesting that baptism is not essential to the Christian). Could God "make an exception" for aborted babies? Of course He can, and if necessary He will.

Personally I believe that baptism follows salvation, and that unborn babies and children under the age of accountability go straight to heaven. Like Paul said "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! (Ro 6:1,2). Mothers should not sin by killing their babies in order to make grace abound (get them into heaven).

I'll repeat to you what I just wrote to Dutchboy88:

I should have put a disclaimer on Ann's article. The makes *many* statements I do NOT endorse. I realize I called her a "wise woman", so I brung it on myself.

Please give me a small penance (like, I could genuflect on my sore left knee" and then permit me back into the land of FR respectability, I beg you.

By the way, on your particular question: The Catholic Church, reecognizing that, as John (first chapter) says, Christ is the light who enlightens everyone, teaches that there exists a "Baptism of desire" whereby God can enlighten, in a mysterious way, even someone who has neer heard His name.

These things are beyond us, and known to God alone. It does not negate the Command he gave us, which is to preach the Gospel to all nations, and baptize them....

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..."