Pope Condones Contraception To Avoid Zika Complications, Maintains Abortion Is ‘Absolute Evil’
The pontiff cited a decision by one of his predecessors, Pope Paul VI, to allow nuns in the Belgian Congo in 1960s to use contraception because they were in danger of pregnancy from rape. However, under no circumstances, Francis said, should abortion be considered a "lesser evil," and he said the procedure should be avoided at all cost. “It is a crime, [killing] one person to save another,” he said. "That is something that the Mafia does ... an absolute evil." It is unclear what affect his statements will have on the heavily Catholic countries hit hardest by the outbreak.
The New York Times:
Francis Says Contraception Can Be Used To Slow Zika
USA Today:
Pope Suggests Contraception Can Be Condoned In Zika Crisis
Los Angeles Times:
Pope Opens The Door To Contraception In Averting Harmful Effects Of Zika Virus
The Washington Post:
Pope: Contraceptives Could Be Morally Permissible In Avoiding Spread Of Zika
The Associated Press:
Pope Suggests Contraception Can Be Condoned In Zika Crisis