Mexican bishops say votes will not change the Church’s fundamental respect for human life

Mexico City, Mexico, Mar 29, 2007 / 09:35 am

Archbishop Jose Luis Chavez Botello of Antequera-Oaxaca said this week that even if voters approve of abortion, the Church will not accept the legalization of abortion, because “it is not a question of a majority of votes but rather of the principle of the right to life.”

The archbishop’s statements came in response to the Socialist party’s effort to legalize abortion in the Mexican capital.  He said that those who seek the legalization of this practice demonstrate their lack of principle and their intent “to trample upon the rights of others.”

During a press conference, Archbishop Chavez Botello read a statement which he said was meant to provide “guidance and to point out the Church’s position on abortion, in view of the debate taking place in Mexico City.”

In his statement, the archbishop recalled the Church’s teaching throughout the years on abortion.  “From the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of all procured abortion:  ‘You shall not kill the embryo through abortion, you shall not put the newborn to death.’ This teaching has not changed, it remains unchangeable,” he stated.

In this sense, he recalled that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith pointed out in 2002 that a “properly-formed Christian conscience” cannot support a political policy or law that contains proposals contrary to fundamental aspects of faith and morals.

The statement, which was also signed by Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Campos Contreras, called for the “necessary and urgent” collaboration of doctors, teachers, psychologists, lawyers and politicians “to help confront responsibly this challenge and threat.”

“Is abortion really the best solution to a social and healthcare problem?” the archbishop wondered aloud.  “Why don’t we direct our efforts instead to improving health care and education?  Is the child in the womb really an aggressor and a dangerous enemy to be eliminated?  What credibility will human rights have when the fundamental right to life is abandoned?  Would those who support abortion continue to do so if they were the ones to be aborted?” the bishops asked in their statement.