Basil (c. 329-379)
To Anfilochius, Bishop of Iconia:
She who has intentionally destroyed [the fetus] is subject to the penalty
corresponding to a homicide. For us, there is no scrutinizing between the formed
and unformed [fetus]; here truly justice is made not only for the unborn but
also with reference to the person who is attentive only to himself/herself since
so many women generally die for this very reason.
-First Letter 2
Canon II.
Let her that procures abortion undergo ten years' penance, whether the embryo
were perfectly formed, or not.
- The First Canonical Epistle of Our Holy Father Basil, Archbishop of
Caesarea in Cappadocia to Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.
…those who give the abortifacients and those who take the poisons are guilty
of homicide.
-First Letter 8
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