Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of the Dominican Republic called a press conference to make public a statement on Bishops' position with regard to a move to legalise abortion in the country. In the statement issued at the end of a Plenary Conference Assembly in late August, the Bishops say that to legalise any form of abortion is to "legalise the death penalty for innocent voiceless children", and they call on the people to “defend national sovereignty and reject pressure from international organisations to de-penalise abortion".
There is heated debate in the country with regard to a proposal by a coalition of civil organisations to include the de-penalisation of abortion in amendments to the Dominican Penal Code in cases in which pregnancy is the result of violence, there is a possible malformation of the foetus or the mother's life is in danger. The law in force punishes abortion with six months to two years in prison for those who procure abortion even if the mother is willing.
The Bishops of all 12 dioceses of the Dominican Republic "in the face of the threat of the de-penalisation of abortion" wished the Statement to be read at all Sunday Masses and broadcast by the media.
The statement in 12 points, recalls that "it is the imperative moral duty of the Church, the government, legislators, national and international organisations and every citizen to defend human life whatever the circumstances". The Bishops lament that some international bodies and NGOs are putting pressure on the government and legislators and they say: "Let us not sell our independence so painfully won! Let us not give in to this pressure, not hesitate in front of the fundamental value of life since fundamental things are permanent but contingent ones are passing".
They appeal to doctors, jurists, legislators, professionals and unions, and to mothers so aware of the inviolable value of life, to speak out “for life and against the demand to de-penalise abortion", and they urge all "defenders of human life, Catholics, other Christians, all men and women of goodwill to unite to protect the supreme value of every human life."
The Bishops say it is inconceivable "that the intellectual capacity of legislators and political leaders should revolt against life itself and attempt to erroneously justify the legalisation and de-penalisation of the crime of abortion ". The statement ends with all call to every Catholic parish in the country to organise “a public pro-life demonstration, with the priests, religious and faithful, the recitation of the Holy Rosary and other initiatives to promote awareness and respect for human life". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2007; righe 35, parole 470)
