Ireland’s Catholic bishops have said they are “dismayed” that the voices of those who voted against repealing the eighth amendment have been ignored since last May’s referendum.
In a statement following their winter general meeting, the bishops said that amendments to the Abortion Bill that many would have deemed to be “very reasonable” had been rejected.
“We are dismayed that, for the most part, the voices of those who voted against abortion in May’s referendum have been ignored,” the bishops said.
“As we stated after our Autumn Meeting, Irish society must have respect for the right of conscientious objection for all healthcare professionals and pharmacists. They cannot be forced either to participate in abortion or to refer patients to others for abortion.”
The bishops said “every one of us has a right to life. It is not given to us by the Constitution of Ireland or by any law… The direct and intentional taking of human life at any stage is gravely wrong and can never be justified.”
The continued: “Women’s lives, and the lives of their unborn children, are precious, valued and always deserving of protection. Any law which suggests otherwise would have no moral force. In good conscience it cannot be supported and would have to be resisted.”
