Vote to decriminalise abortion "a truly tragic moment for our nation"

Photo by Steve Harrris on Unsplash

Source: CBCEW

An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill tabled to prevent a change to the law that would decriminalise abortion up to birth in a number of circumstances was voted down in the House of Lords yesterday by 185 votes to 148. Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool and lead bishop for life issues for the Bishops' Conference, and the Archbishop of Southwark, the Most Rev John Wilson, have both issued statements expressing their grave concerns.

Archbishop John Wilson described the legislation as "frightening" and that it not only ignores the unborn child, but also raises "serious concerns for the safety of women".

He said: "This is a truly tragic moment for our nation. How can this frightening legislation, which, following Royal Assent, will permit the abortion of children right up until the moment of birth for any reason, have any place in a civilised society? We can never underestimate the challenges that women and men encounter facing difficult decisions.

"There is, however, another life involved which is now to be ignored and silenced. There are also serious concerns for the safety of women. While there is an even more difficult journey now to protect the unborn child, we must continue to speak up for the voiceless and work to protect the most vulnerable who are no longer protected by the law.

Archbishop Wilson also contrasts medical technological advancement with the aims of this law:

"As Christians, we affirm that each of us is loved by God and each of us is made in God's image and likeness. Our innate human dignity is not something granted at birth, but exists from the moment of conception. The increasing advances that allow babies born prematurely to live full and happy lives stands in stark contrast to this legislation. This is fundamentally a matter of justice and this legislation, which favours some lives over others, increases inequality in our society."

Archbishop John Sherrington expressed his distress at the decision and has warned that "this move is likely to lead to more late-term abortions putting pregnant women and their babies at risk. Many women could likely also face even greater risks of isolation, coercion, and pressure."

He said in a statement: "If you are facing a difficult pregnancy, help is available through organisations such as Life or Pregnancy Crisis Helpline.

If you are seeking healing after an abortion, support is available through Rachel's Vineyard.

"I am deeply distressed by the decision by the House of Lords to reject Baroness Monckton's amendment to remove clause 208 from the Crime and Policing Bill. The clause decriminalises on-demand abortion up to birth in England and Wales in some circumstances. This move is likely to lead to more late-term abortions putting pregnant women and their babies at risk. Many women could likely also face even greater risks of isolation, coercion, and pressure.

"I am grateful to all the Parliamentarians and advocates who have worked courageously to protect mothers and their unborn children from this move.

"I also recognise the many organisations who accompany women with practical support when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The genuine hope they provide is now more urgent than ever. As we prepare to face this challenge, I encourage the faithful to support them in practical ways, including through prayer.

"Inspired by the example of the Holy Family, let us continue to defend the dignity of both the child in the womb and the mother."