A Catholic bishop in Northern Ireland has expressed strong opposition to new regulations that mandate discussions on abortion access in schools.
Newsroom(08/06/2023 19:10, Gaudium Press) Bishop Donal McKeown of the Diocese of Derry criticized the government’s move, arguing that it promotes a particular ideology that many might find objectionable. He highlighted concerns during a BBC Interview about imposing a duty on schools from diverse backgrounds to provide information on abortion as if it were a value-free topic.
“I don’t think you need to impose a duty on schools, that come from a range of different backgrounds, an obligation to provide information as if abortion and that whole area is somehow or other a value-free thing,” McKeown said during the interview.
“This is a new ideology that says: ‘This is the right way to do it, that we must worship on the altar of human rights and everything else must be sacrificed in the service of that.’”
The regulations in question were introduced by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris. They require that information about abortion access and the legal right to abortion be included in the curriculum of post-primary education, which caters to children aged 11 and older. Heaton-Harris stated that these regulations align with the approach taken in England regarding the prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
McKeown raised concerns that these rules impose a particular worldview on education in Northern Ireland and schools could face penalties for non-compliance with the abortion education requirements. He expressed worry that the decision by the secretary of state would dictate a standardized approach to the issue in all schools.
The Department of Education is expected to issue guidance on implementing the regulations by January 1, 2024. Boards of Governors and principals of grant-aided schools will be required to adhere to this guidance. Parents will retain the right to opt their children out of these classes, similar to the approach in England and Scotland.
Northern Ireland legalized abortion in 2019, allowing termination of pregnancies up to 12 weeks without providing a reason. Abortions up to 24 weeks are permitted under certain conditions, including a potential risk to the mother’s mental health.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA