Deploring rape, Holy See diplomat says abortion ‘only visits further violence’ on women
April 22, 2013
As the United Nations Security Council discussed sexual violence in armed conflict, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations repeatedly deplored rape and said that a subsequent abortion “only visits further violence” on the rape victim.
“It is necessary to keep the focus on reparation for victims,” said Archbishop Francis Chullikatt. “It is essential that victims be afforded every assistance; whereas, on the contrary, all too frequently victims of sexual assault become ostracized from their communities – especially those who report sexual violence or those who have become pregnant as a result of a rape.”
The apostolic nuncio added:
Particularly disturbing here is the re-victimization of a woman or girl who is raped when she is forced to live with her aggressor as a “wife.” Obviously, sexual violence leads to devastating physical and psychological consequences, sometimes even fatal. Of concern to my delegation in this regard is the mention in the report to what is euphemistically styled “access to safe pregnancies termination services.”
Here, concealed by a veil of words, lies the stark reality of the suppression of human life, the death of the innocent unborn child – which only visits further violence on a woman already in difficulty. Rather, the “woman with child” should be offered care, support, education, counseling, and assistance, to meet her material, social and spiritual needs during and after her pregnancy – including, if necessary, the possibility of finding a family to adopt her child.
Archbishop Chullikatt also called for “the education in discipline and moral fiber of armed forces and awareness campaigns in those values which offer a proper vision of women in society.”
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Further information:
- UN Nuncio speaks at open debate on sexual violence in armed conflict (Vatican Radio)
- Security Council, in day-long debate, urged to strengthen measures to end rape in war zones (United Nations)
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