Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San José (Agenzia Fides) - "Net refusal and indignation" for the signing of the so-called "technical regulation" on the decriminalization of abortion by President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, was expressed by the Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica, as "it contradicts the sentiment expressed, in a very clear way, by a people convinced of its love for God and for unborn life".
In the communiqué entitled "Human life is sacred", sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishops recall that they have always expressed themselves "against this and any action that intends to open the door to attack human life, especially that of the most vulnerable, such as the child that must be born, because the Gospel of Life is at the center of the message of Jesus". At the same time, the Bishops recognize the honesty and commitment of those who "have supported that every life has value", especially the legislators and the various social sectors that underlined it firmly. "Believers must defend and promote the right to life" the statement continues, which invites us to ask the Lord of life to lead our path "as a sovereign country, and does not continue to align with the culture of death that is being imposed" .
The President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, on December 13 signed the decree containing the "technical regulation" related to the decriminalization of abortion. The voluntary interruption of pregnancy had been decriminalized in the country in 1970, if done "in order to avoid a danger to the life or health of the mother". However, in the absence of an implementing decree, this legislation was not applicable in its entirety. After the requests of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), the State prepared the technical regulation, which was approved by the National Social Security Fund, and was signed by the Head of State on December 13th.
The Bishops have always supported the sacredness of human life since its conception and in the October 10th statement they had expressed their full support for the "40 days for life" campaign that invited people to pray "so that abortion may never be legalized in Costa Rica". With respect and full conviction that "human life is inviolable" according to the Constitution of Costa Rica, they invited the President of the Republic "not to sign the technical norm", as it is necessary to defend those who do not have the opportunity to shout for their lives. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 17/12/2019)
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