Bishop Cullinan criticises ‘blindness’ of EU parliament over abortion vote

The European Parliament’s (EP) decision to adopt a resolution that denies the right to conscientious objection has “very serious consequences” for us all, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan warned.

The EP voted June 24 to adopt the Matic Report, a resolution which also calls for abortion to be declared a human right, by 378 votes in favour and 255 against and 42 abstentions.

The text – drafted by Predrag Fred Matic, a Croatian Socialist MEP — is also critical of the “conscience clause”, which allows doctors to deny abortion access if they don’t believe in it. Withholding abortions “on grounds of religion or conscience,” the text says, “endangers women’s lives and rights”.

Commenting on the vote, the bishop of Waterford and Lismore critised the denial of the right to conscientious objection in Europe and in Ireland. While people talk about freedom and diversity, freedom today means “you are free to accept one view and dare anyone object or express a diverse opinion”, Bishop Cullinan said.

“The fundamental right to conscientious objection derives from one’s freedom of conscience. The decision of the EU parliament has very serious consequences not only for the unborn but for us all.”

The bishop added that it is “utterly sad” that while “we try to saves human lives in these pandemic times, other human lives are not only ignored but dismissed as worthless.”

“What blindness!” Bishop Cullinan continued. “The view of the majority of the EU parliament betrays a one-sided perspective on abortion and does not take full account of the life situations of all the persons concerned and the pain and suffering involved.

“The unborn child has an independent life created in the image of God and therefore has the human right to life.”

All 13 Irish MEPs voted in favour of the resolution.