A Brazilian archbishop says all those who helped a child rape victim secure an abortion are to be excommunicated from the Catholic Church.Lets say for a moment that you disagree with Archbishop Sobrinho and the Roman Catholic Church on this. Was the child entitled to the abortion because of she was
- a victim of incestuous rape.
- severelyunderage.
- not able to carry the twins to term successfully.
- very likely going to die.
I don't know that Brazil has quite gotten to the point where excommunication is an entirely meaningless punishment yet. Being predominantly RC, it might still carry some social stigma. Regardless, I hope all involved take this as the gift it truly is. The Archbishop has released them from the shackles of the church. It's the most he can possibly do to them and he can't exactly do it twice without their consent.
The 9-year old in question hasn't been excommunicated (the Archbishop magnanimously decided she was too young). Hopefully when she is older, and capable of giving consent in all things adult, she'll join her mother and the doctors in their freedom.