Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Fatima (Fides Service) - The Catholic Bishops of Portugal held a special assembly in Fatima on 16 February in Fatima to discuss the results of the referendum 11 February which drew a yes vote to legalise abortion up to the 10th week of pregnancy. Despite widespread abstention, a non binding result and scarce margin of difference between yes votes and no votes, the Prime Minister José Sócrates said he intends to lift restrictions on abortion up to the 10th week which will cease to be a crime in Portugal. In a pastoral statement in response to the Premier’s declaration the Bishops write "the fact that abortion is legal does not make it morally right, abortion is and remains a serious sin".
In the pastoral statement read by Bishops’ Conference secretary Bishop Carlos Azebedo at the end of the meeting, the Bishops said "widespread mobilisation in recent weeks to defend the inviolable character of human life and the dignity of motherhood" which was undoubtedly a positive sign of hope, must continue and produce the necessary organisation structure to promote further participation in the discussion. "From now onwards - the Bishops affirm - our fight to protect human life must be more intense, with new means but the same goals: help inform consciences and create the conditions to avoid abortion".
The Bishops denounce a change of mentality due, among other things, to a globalisation of attitudes and certain currents of opinion, lack of formation of minds and consciences, relativisation of values and principles regarding the life of individuals and the life of society. They underline that is changed mentality calls for evangelisation on the part of Catholics, particularly for young people and families. “We must have creativity and audacity, in fidelity to the Church’s mission and to the Gospel truths" the statement said.
Reaffirming that “every abortion is still a serious sin because it disobeys God’s commandment: do not kill” the Bishops call on doctors and other medical personnel to have recourse to objection of conscience and they urge pregnant mothers considering abortion to reflect and to avoid this decision "taken in the majority of cases because of solitude and suffering". The Bishops affirm that " with the proper help and assistance most of the women who find themselves in this situation would choose not to abort their child. Therefore we and society have the duty to provide this proper help with proper assistance structures." The Bishops conclude " It is one of the noblest tasks of a civilisation to defend the dignity of every human life. For her part the Church will continue to be faithful to her mission to announce the Gospel of Life and denounce any attack on life”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 17/2/2007; righe 34, parole 485)
