Mexican bishops: ‘Without the gift of life, it is not possible to exercise other rights’

Mexico City, Mexico, Aug 26, 2008 / 16:04 pm

The president of the Bishops’ Conference of Mexico, Bishop Carlos Aguiar Retes, appeared on Mexican television this week with a message in support of life, as the country’s Supreme Court prepares to rule on the constitutionality of the legalization of abortion in the capital.

Speaking for all of the bishops, Bishop Aguiar Retes reminded viewers that, “the defense of the newly conceived human being should be accompanied by the defense of the dignity of women.  Respect for the right to life is at the heart of authentic democracy and the true rule of law.”

“Among the challenges we Mexicans face,” he went on, “the respect for human life from conception to natural death” is paramount.  “Without the gift of life, all opportunity is gone.”

“No situation, no matter how unique, justifies harming the dignity of persons, especially of those who are most vulnerable, marginalized or defenseless,” the bishop said.

“When a society debates the legalization of abortion, what is really being discussed is the future of the nation,” he went on. “Recognizing and respecting the right to life is at the heart of authentic democracy and the true rule of law,” Bishop Aguiar Retes emphasized.

He also expressed the bishops’ trust in the institutions of the country and said the task before the Supreme Court to review the Mexico City law is “historic.” “As citizens, we trust that the justices will carry out their work with responsibility.  We hope their decision will be guided by justice, law, truth and the common good,” he added