Section II. On Abortive Fetuses

An abortive fetus is a fetus prematurely projected from the womb (vol. I, n. 733).

I. Every abortive fetus brought forth at any time must be baptized, unless it is wholly certain that he is dead (cf. canon 747). The reason is that in the case it is at least somewhat probable that a wayfaring human being is present (vol. I, n. 732).

The same must be said of everything which is cast out from the womb of a pregnant woman and concerning which it is doubted whether it is a fetus or a mole, as it is called. For the rest, even if it seems to be a mole, this should be carefully dissected, so that it may be inspected whether perhaps a fetus lies hidden in it; likewise, if a pregnant woman suffers a flow of blood, it is expedient that the flow be moved and palpated, because sometimes something is found in it concerning which it is rightly doubted whether it is a fetus (St. Alphonsus, VI, 124).

II. Abortive fetuses, brought forth at any time, if they certainly live, are to be baptized absolutely; if doubtfully, conditionally¹ (canon 747). If the fetus brought forth is still enclosed in membranes or in a vesicle, proceed in this way: Place the vesicle on a table or in a basin or dish, and place a bowl of water nearby. Then first either pour some water over the vesicle or immerse the vesicle itself in the water of the bowl,² meanwhile saying: If you can be baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then, holding the vesicle somewhat obliquely in the bowl of water, open it with the thumb and index finger of each hand, so that the liquid flows out from it. Then again say, moving the fetus somewhat here and there in the water: If you can be baptized, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Afterward you must again draw the fetus out of the water (n. 54).

Note 1. They say that even very small abortive fetuses sometimes preserve life for a longer time, indeed for several days. Nevertheless there is danger that they may soon die; hence inquiry into whether the fetus is alive should not be prolonged too much.

Note 2. The things explained above must be especially inculcated to midwives and mothers. And although pastors are bound more than others to this instruction, nevertheless confessors too, from a confession heard, can and not rarely must prudently take occasion to ask whether they have been sufficiently instructed.

¹ Before the sixth month there can scarcely be certainty about the life of the fetus, whether it exists in the womb or is brought forth before the sixth month; in the latter case it is either dead or appears dead. Today, however, by means of the stethoscope the pulsations of the heart can ordinarily be perceived from the fifth month.

² Therefore the vesicle is not immediately ruptured, but is first immersed in water and cut there, namely because rupture outside water, on account of the contact of air, according to some, though others deny this, can be so dangerous that the fetus dies before Baptism has been conferred.