Bishops in Philippines encourage conscientious objection to new reproductive-health law
July 11, 2014
The Catholic bishops of the Philippines are encouraging the faithful to engage in conscientious objection to oppose implementation of the country’s new reproductive-health law.
The bishops have prepared a guide for Catholics regarding the new law, which was passed in 2012 despite strong opposition from the hierarchy and has been approved by the country’s supreme court. The bishops remind health-care professionals that they can declare themselves as conscientious objectors; the court had ruled that individuals should not be obligated to provide services “that they find morally repugnant or offensive.”
The “conscience clause” provision does not extend to entire hospital departments. But it does protect Church-run institutions.
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