Il corpo dell’anima. Chiesa e terapie della gravidanza nell’Ottocento

Abstract

This article discusses late nineteenth century intervention of the Congregation of the Holy Office, concerning therapeutic abortive interventions on at risk pregnancy. In the context of a most widely conflict between religion and science, this inquisitorial discussion appeared as a reaction to increasing power of medicine on nature and human body. In this perspective, Catholic Church, through the Holy Office, discussed the status of human embryo, the role and freedom of pregnant women, the moral limits of medicine and science.