I received a number of positive comments on my recent article in the weekly parish newsletter, challenging the thinking of those who refuse to receive a COVID vaccine, based on the argument that “the government cannot tell me what to do with my body”.
I also received a response from a parishioner who said he heard that it was wrong (a sin) for a Catholic to receive a COVID vaccine, because the vaccines were tested using cells obtained from aborted fetuses.
This is not true and is based on misinformation that some in the Church have been spreading.
I had explained why a Catholic can indeed receive the vaccine in an article published several months ago, however if it is helpful, I will again explain why it is permissible.
Even though the vaccines may have been developed using compromised cell lines, this does not establish a connection between the vaccine recipient and the abortion.
Since it is impossible to influence an act that occurred in the past, a recipient of a COVID-19 vaccine developed from the cell lines in question cannot influence or contribute anything regarding the original abortions. Simply knowing the origin of the cell lines does not mean that one intends abortion.
The act of receiving the COVID vaccine developed from the cell lines in question does not lead others to procure an abortion, nor is it an endorsement of an abortion.
The Congregation for the Defense of the Faith (Vatican) has determined “that it is morally acceptable for Catholics to take these vaccines”. This determination is deeply rooted in the Catholic moral tradition.
The CDC states the following, “All vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of the vaccine does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells were used.”
The morality of vaccination depends “not only on the duty to protect ones own health, but also the duty to pursue the Common good”.
This last point is very important. Getting the vaccine (assuming there are no previous medical issues that receiving the vaccine would negatively impact) is not just about protecting our own health, but also the health and well being of others.
Bottom line, even if we don’t care about our own health, we have a moral obligation to care about the health of others.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. John O’Connor, O.F.M.