John Paul II

In his encyclical letter entitled Evangelium Vitae, or “The Gospel of Life,” Pope John Paul II of the Roman Catholic Church charges that many modern societies are sliding toward a “culture of death” that supports abortion and euthanasia. The pope argues that abortion is wrong because it is the destruction of life, and that contraception is unethical because it contradicts the idea that sex is an act of procreation. The pope believes that overpopulated nations should be given economic and social support rather than having abortion and contraception foisted upon them.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In what ways are abortion and contraception “specifically different evils,” according to the pope?
2. What types of global intervention does the pope recommend as alternatives to promoting...