"As always, I crave correction on factual matters -- just let me know where to look."
I admire that. I'm the same.  
You will want to see "The Embryo Project Encyclopedia": "Pope Pius IX . . .[removed] the distinction between an “animated” and “unanimated” fetus from Catholic doctrine, and established the edict that a human should be protected starting from the moment of conception onward. This proclamation made abortion at any time of gestation punishable by excommunication. Pope Pius IX’s decision became Canon Law of the Catholic Church."
The Encylopedia's phrasing --- "the distinction between between an 'animated' and 'unanimated' fetus"---is not quite correct, as every fetus is "animated,"and therefore, "ensouled," from the moment of conception.  This follows from the Church's belief (with the ancients, e.g. Aristotle) that the soul is the "animating principle." That this is the Church's teaching there is simply no doubt.