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World News

Catholic Church reaffirms dignity of life on Ireland abortion referendum anniversary

by Eno Adeogun

This comes on the first anniversary of Ireland's abortion referendum where the country voted overwhelmingly in favour of legalising terminations.

The 25th May 2018 vote effectively repealed the eighth amendment of the Irish constitution, which stated that a pregnant woman and a foetus had an equal right to life.

 

Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran said he was saddened at last year's decision to liberalise the regime surrounding early terminations.

He said many people voted for change with ambivalence and may not be happy with their choices.

Brian Lawless/PA Wire

"In marking this anniversary, we reaffirm our belief in the fundamental dignity and right to life of every human being from conception to natural death," he said.

"This is not simply a matter of faith, it is what reason and common sense suggests.

"There remains a real sadness that the majority of Irish people, for a variety of reasons, said 'yes' to abortion if not for themselves, then at least as an option for others."

Creative Commons and PA

However, he insisted that many people remain committed to protecting the lives of unborn children.

"The challenge now remains for us, in these changed circumstances, to find new and more effective ways to serve life and to bear witness to the essential goodness and beauty of every life," Bishop Kevin added.

"This is the mission of the new Council for Life established by the Irish Catholic Bishops, but it is a mission that we share with all who recognise the right to life, believers and non-believers alike."

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