Irish prelate cautions on rush toward legal abortion
November 30, 2012
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has warned against a rush to legalize abortion, as an emotional debate on the subject continues in Ireland.
After meeting with Irish political leaders, the archbishop said that medical authorities should carefully examine policies regarding the care of women in troubled pregnancies, and make appropriate changes if necessary. Archbishop Martin said that the Church does not require doctors to sacrifice the life of the mother in order to save a baby. The lives of mother and child should be treated with equal dignity, he said.
In a related development, an Irish government report on abortion laws gives short shrift to the conscience rights of health-care workers, the Iona Institute notes.
The government report, which calls for greater access to legal abortion, would allow doctors to refuse direct participation in abortions, but would require them to refer patients to abortion providers.
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Further information:
- Archbishop says abortion debate cannot be rushed (RTE)
- Expert group on abortion seeks to limit the conscience rights of doctors (Iona Institute)
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