Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of Uruguay have made a public appeal to the country's legislators not to approve the legalisation of abortion as part of a new Bill on Sexual and Reproductive Health currently being debated in Parliament.
In a statement the President of the Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Carlos Collazzi said “gathered in assembly the Bishops of Uruguay unite with all the many Uruguayans who urge their representatives to pass laws which respect and protect the supreme values of human life at every stage…on this ethical foundation is built the dignity and hope of every family and our society ”.
For the Church in Uruguay “juridical order, based on human nature is not arbitrary nor can it be subject to events”.
In Uruguay, despite its agnostic origins, abortion has always been penalised with the support of the two traditional political parties, 'Blanco' and 'Colorado', which until two years ago alternated in government.
The Bishops' statement concludes by calling those responsible for the law to have respect for human rights which are the basis for a society of justice and solidarity. (AP) (10/7/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22; Parole:253)
