Some of us are still conflicted about Donald Trump, but when it comes to Hillary, there can be no question. Nothing can balance a bad stance on human life. In Evangelium Vitae, St. John Paul II quoted the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to put it this way:

“Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly. Nor can any authority legitimately recommend or permit such an action”.[i]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear, too; paragraph 2271 says this:

“Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law…”

That’s absolute, objective teaching. It draws a clear line and tells us never to cross it.

The Church also warns us against cooperation in the sins of others. Paragraph 1868 of the Catechism says,

“Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them: – by participating directly and voluntarily in them; – by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them; – by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so; – by protecting evil-doers.”

Each voter who casts a ballot for Clinton will (if Clinton is elected) enable her to expand the evil of intentional killing, and these voters will fail to do all that they can to hinder her goals.

Even those who like Clinton’s stance on another issue are called to put that issue behind abortion and euthanasia on the priority list. The Church’s instruction to the faithful regarding things such as poverty and immigration bears the tone of an exhortation, not a specific mandate; it calls us to serve as we are able. Look at the difference between the Catechism’s language regarding life issues, above, and its language regarding other issues, such as poverty, below:

2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.[ii] Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.[iii] Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God. [iv] He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise.[v] But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.[vi] If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?[vii]”

On the subject of immigration, Catechism paragraph 2241 uses this language:

“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”

The Church’s teaching in regards to poverty and immigration conveys a sense of urgency, but it’s founded on a certain level of conditionality; She calls us to give all we can, but there is no across-the-board “you must do this; you must not do that” imperative. Life issues are different: there is a very clear line, and crossing it is a grave sin. Pro-life issues do outweigh social justice issues. It’s not ideal to have to choose between the two, but if we’re faced with that choice, life wins.

Voting for someone who promotes abortion and euthanasia is a cooperation in the deaths of innocent human lives. Don’t cooperate with someone who promotes death. Don’t vote for Hillary Clinton.

[i] CDF, Declaration on Euthanasia Iura et Bona (5 May 1980), II:AAS 72 (1980), 546.

[ii]Cf. Isa 58:6-7; Heb 13:3.

[iii] Cf. Mt 25:31-46.

[iv] Cf. Tob 4:5-11; Sir 17:22; Mt 6:2-4.

[v] Lk 3:11.

[vi] Lk 11:41.

[vii] Jas 2:15-16; cf. 1 Jn 3:17.