Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Feb 26, 2008 / 03:23 pm (CNA).- The Parliamentarian Front in Defense of Life has launched a campaign to establish a congressional commission to look into why abortion is not prosecuted by the government when it is illegal in the country.

During the 1st Brazilian Meeting of Legislators and Leaders for Life, Congressman Luis Bassuma said the Front has more than the 180 signatures required for the creation of a commission on abortion.  “Abortion has been considered a crime in the country for forty years, but officials tolerate it,” he explained.

Lawmakers argue the creation of a commission is justified because of statements by Health Minister Jose Temporao, who said in April of 2007 that the government acknowledges the existence of a clandestine abortion network, a black market for the sale of abortifacient products and international interest in financing actions to spread abortion.

The pro-life meeting was celebrated as a preparation for the international meeting that will take place in November of next year, possibly in Sao Paulo.  It was also intended to encourage state governments in Brazil to implement pro-life policies.  Among the projects discussed at the meeting was the creation of a “Pro-Life City” award, to recognized communities that are outstanding in their defense of human life.

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