# The Cry of the Unborn – Part Two
*2019-09-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the “cry of the unborn” that came to him while praying the Rosary, urging the Church to offer baptism, reconciliation, and last rites to women on their deathbeds who regret having abortions.

## Why the Cry Came to Me

While praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary I was struck by the thought of unborn children who never get to be born. Their greatest sorrow, I realized, is not that they died before birth but that they will never see their mothers. Women who have had abortions often die on their deathbeds still grieving this loss, fearing they are unworthy of God’s forgiveness. Yet, as innocent souls, these unborn children are without personal sin and, like all baptized infants, are destined for heaven.

## A Call for Pastoral Care

I propose that bishops and priests consider offering baptism to dying women who have not yet been baptized, followed by confession and the anointing of the sick. Baptism, even in an emergency, requires only holy water and the Trinitarian formula, and it would open the way to sacramental reconciliation. This could bring peace to women who have lived with the weight of abortion and give them hope of eventual union with their unborn child in heaven.

## The Church’s Teaching on Abortion

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops teaches that abortion is a grave sin because it ends the life of the least among us. Civil law in many states already recognizes the unborn as a person, charging murder for both mother and child. Politically, the issue is often reduced to debate, but the Church must speak clearly that every life is sacred and that forgiveness is always possible through Christ.

## Prayer of the Rosary and Sorrowful Mysteries

We continued with the Sorrowful Mysteries, praying the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, and a series of Hail Marys for love, hope, and peace—for the unborn, for their mothers, and for all souls seeking mercy. Each mystery reminded us of Christ’s own suffering and the call to offer compassion to those burdened by grave sin.

## Psalm 100 and Closing Thoughts

We concluded with Psalm 100, giving thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness. I asked God to grant forgiveness to all who have sinned through abortion, that they might receive the sacraments and hear the cry of their unborn child answered in heaven.

*Even the unborn cry for the love of their mothers, and the Church can bring them both peace through baptism, reconciliation, and the mercy of Christ.*