18 August 2007

Amnesty International – Abortion Advocacy

Right to Life deplores the decision of Amnesty International [AI] to reject the sanctity of life ethic and to enter into abortion advocacy. This change of policy was ratified last week at their Conference in Mexico City. It is opposed by a substantial number of members of AI. The new policy seeks to have abortion recognised as a human right. AI is opposed to the death penalty but not for unborn children. AI claims that the policy change is to prevent violence against women. Such a claim is without credibility, abortion is not only a serious violation of human rights; it is also a deplorable violence against women and their unborn children.

There is no recognition in international law for the killing of unborn children. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3 states; “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” The Declaration of the Rights of the Child in its preamble states; “Whereas the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth.” Our human rights are conferred on us at conception by our creator. Our human rights are inalienable and universal. Being inalienable they cannot be taken from us. Why then is AI challenging the right to life of unborn children? It is a tragedy for the human rights movement that AI has turned its back on helpless and defenceless unborn children. Members and supporters of AI who are genuinely concerned about human rights should withdraw their support from AI which is now fatally flawed.

The President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Renato Martino recently stated that the decision by the human rights group to promote abortion “rights” is a betrayal of its identity.” If AI is no longer willing to stand up for the most basic human right – the right to life- then the very integrity of the organisation is called into question.” The Cardinal said that AIs decision means that Catholic organisations should no longer financially support the group. Right to Life is disappointed that the media and other Christian churches have remained silent on this important human rights issue.

Amnesty International had a well earned reputation for protecting human rights throughout the world. It is a tragedy that AI has adopted abortion as a human right. It has now placed in jeopardy the wonderful work that it has performed. Right to Life urges AI to reconsider its ill conceived policy change and to return to promoting a culture of life by defending the inalienable right to life of every individual. This was the objective of Peter Berenson, a Catholic who founded AI in 1961.

ENDS

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