384 HANDICAPPED CHILD

YOUCAT Lesson 384

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

384  Can a handicapped child be aborted?

No.  Aborting a handicapped child is always a serious crime, even if it is done with the intention of sparing that person suffering later on.  280

Sitting in the shade In the center of this 1980 photo with his back to the large trees is my nephew John Amadeus Racanelli, a profoundly retarded lad then attending a Voss family 4^th of July picnic.  At left, in the pink shirt facing John is my own son John Bragg who now is 43 years old.  John Racanelli still lives at home under his mother Margaret’s (my sister) care. “Amadeus” means “I love God”.  I saw John Racanell just yesterday (August 15, 2017).  He is in declining health. ….. 384

 “The diagnosis of disability in the unborn child cannot be a reason for abortion because life with such a disability is also desired and appreciated by God, and here on earth no one can ever be sure that he or she will live without physical or spiritual limitations.”  Pope Benedict XVI, September 28, 2006