Approved on June 24, the Matic report considers abortion a “human right” and redefines conscientious objection as a “denial of medical care.”

European Parliament. Photo: Unsplash

Newsdesk (July 7, 2021 09:54, Gaudium Press) In an international alliance, 14 Catholic-inspired organizations related to life and the family have issued a severe critique of the report adopted by the European Parliament, which states that abortion is a “human right.”

The statement by the 14 organizations was issued before the vote on the so-called Matic report, which took place on June 24.

“Abortion eliminates an innocent human life and has serious physical and psychological consequences for women who undergo it, and harmful consequences for those who seek it,”the statement from the 14 organizations said. “Moreover, this proposal would undermine the right to conscientious objection, which is essential for true progress and equality in our societies.”

The adopted report describes abortion as an essential health service and redefines conscientious objection as a “denial of medical care.” The report also states that violations of so-called “sexual and reproductive health” and their supposed rights are “a form of violence against women and girls.”

Some of the signatories

Among the signatories of the statement are: the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC); Mater Care International (MCI), a group of Catholic obstetricians and gynecologists based in Canada; the Pope John XXIII Community (APG23), based in Rimini, Italy; and Femina Europa, an NGO founded in Paris, France.

The statement by the 14 organizations makes a “call to defend the right to life of the most vulnerable in our societies, the integral health of our women and families, and the conscience rights of health professionals.”

The European Parliament’s adoption of the Matic report has no binding effect on EU member states, but its influence on the development of public policy is undeniable.

With information from CNA