Pope To Issue Encyclical Against Abortion

An anti-abortion encyclical by Pope John Paul II is scheduled to be released March 30, the Vatican said Saturday.

The document will discuss the issues lawmakers should consider when dealing with abortion or euthanasia, the ANSA news agency reported. It also will touch on other subjects including contraception, genetic engineering and bioethics, the report said.

The pope has often spoken out against abortion, which is forbidden by Roman Catholic doctrine. He also has urged governments to overturn laws permitting abortion.

An encyclical is reserved for the most important papal declarations.