Italian Catholic politician clarifies remarks on 'legal, rare' abortion

July 29, 2009

Clarifying remarks that led some pro-life activists to fear that he was moving toward a "pro-choice" position, a leading Italian Catholic politician has spoken out again to "reassure pro-lifers that we are not giving up on the life of one single child." In an exclusive interview with Friday Fax, Rocco Buttiglione conceded that "a big mess" had been created by statements in which he appeared to criticize pro-life activists for seeking to outlaw abortion. In fact, he said, he supports a ban on the practice. "It is right," he said; "but very difficult, perhaps impossible."

In practical terms, particularly in Italy, "We must realize that we do not have a consensus on an abortion ban," said Buttiglione. Therefore he called for greater efforts to help women facing problem pregnancies-- efforts that might make abortion less commonplace, even if it remains legal. "We will not win our battle against abortion relying only on penal sanction," he concluded.

 

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Further information:

• "Defended With All Possible Means" – Rocco Buttiglione Clarifies Remarks (C-Fam)
• Noted Italian Catholic politician: make abortion rare, not illegal (CWN, Jul 20)