EUROPE/SPAIN - Bishops' Conference launches pro-life campaign: "our society is adopting a severe perversion of the truth about abortion"
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) – The Spanish Bishops' Conference has launched a pro-life campaign entitled: "Protect my life!". The initiative coincides with the celebrations for the Day for Life, which will be celebrated this March 25 in all Spain's dioceses. If the legal changes that have been presented are in fact instated, the unborn will be left even more vulnerable than they are with the current legislation. It also seems that the social consensus to abortion has increased. Thus, in light of this situation, the Bishops' Conference has decided to launch a campaign in which they will distribute the materials that are normally produced each year for the Day of Life (a letter from the Bishops, signs, and prayers) as well as publicity advertisements. From March 16-30, there will be 1,300 ads posted in 37 cities of Spain. There will also be 30,000 posters made for parishes and Catholic centers throughout the country, and the 8 million informational brochures for the dioceses have already begun distribution.
The campaign ad depicts a person and a lynx because, they say, our society has acquired an increasing awareness on the need to protect the young of various animal species and there are constantly new laws being approved to protect these species in their preliminary stages of development. This is all well and good, however it seems paradoxical that the life of the unborn humans be increasingly endangered.
These initiatives are all linked to the Year of Prayer for Life that began in all Spanish dioceses this past February 2
In the Message issued on the occasion of the Day for Life, by the Subcommittee for the Family and the Defense of Life of the Bishops' Conference, the Bishops expressed their regret as they witness "this increasing threat to life in our country with the announced abortion reform law, and therefore it is urgent that the Gospel of Life reach the heart of every man and woman and be inserted in every corner of society." They also lament the fact that "our society is adopting a severe perversion of the truth about abortion, which is being presented as a legitimate choice of a woman that will solve a severe problem that dramatically affects her. Abortion is even placed under the so-called 'reproductive health rights.'" However, the Bishops say, "authentic justice must consider the protection of the unborn child and the integral support of women, so as to help them overcome their difficulties and give birth to their child." There is also an urgent need to "enlighten consciences with the truth in all its splendor."
The Bishops conclude their Message by asking all believers to make an active commitment with pro-life and pro-family associations in the Church, along with all those working in their defense. "With our testimony and support, we wish to offer hope to mothers and fathers who find difficulties associated with the birth of their children. In the Church, they should find a home in which they feel protected and where they can find the help they need." (RG) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2009)
Links:
Complete text of the Message from the Bishops' Subcommittee for Family and Life
http://www.fides.org/spa/documents/Vida2009.doc
