Can a woman who has obtained an abortion receive Communion?
If the woman has not confessed her sin, no she may not. Abortion is considered among the gravest sins, and one of the few sins that incur automatic excommunication (CCL 1398). Such a sin is reserved to the bishop, although many bishops choose to allow women to confess to parish priests. Consult your local priest for more information on local requirements. The same is true of those who assisted in the abortion, and helped a woman obtain an abortion, including those who knowingly drive the woman to the abortuary and those who pay for it. Consult your local priest for more information.
