OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - The local Church cries against abortion which kills 100,000 unborn babies in Australia every year: intervention by Archbishop of Melbourne

Thursday, 11 November 2004

Melbourne (Fides Service) - “Our youngest and oldest human beings have an equal right to life. The Catholic Church has always championed protection of human life from conception. Abortion is the taking of fragile human life in the womb: a fact supported by scientific and photographic insights” Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne said in his intervention in the debate which has flared in Australia on the theme abortion.
The question was recently re-launched on the political scene by Minister of Health Tony Abbott who reported that in Australia there are an average of 100,000 abortions a year and he challenged state medical assistance due to woman who intended to have an abortion.
The debate registered different positions. Some politicians said they hoped the number of abortions would decrease but without “violating a pregnant woman’s right to choose”. On this topic the Archbishop of Melbourne said “discussion has rightly focussed on compassion for women, while ignoring compassion for the child in the womb, who is the silent partner in this debate. We as a society need to reflect more clearly on the beginning, the end and the value of each human life”.
Australia’s recently re-elected Prime Minister John Howard said he did not intend to propose changes in Australia law on abortion. In the past abortion was illegal here but in recent years a process to legalise voluntary interruption of pregnancy was started. Canberra region, which is also seat of government, was the first to legalise abortion with a favourable vote from the local parliament in 2002. Previously abortion was only allowed when the mother’s life was in danger. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2004 Righe: 230 Parole: 320)


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