ASIA/SOUTH KOREA -
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Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – With affirming its no to abortion, a practice now conducted legally and illegally in Korea, the Korean Bishops' Conference Commission for Bioethics has expressed its public support for the anti-abortion campaign being led by pro-life organizations, many of which have Korean doctors and obstetricians among them.
The organizations have released a statement, sent to Agenzia Fides, in which they declare their concern for the abortions occurring both legally and illegally, calling on all society to stop these practices against the lives of the unborn.
"The Bishops' Conference welcomes and approves of this courageous stance being taken by doctors and abortions against abortion. We hope that their decision may be an occasion for the public to start shedding light on the mystery of human life and build a culture of life," the Commission affirms in a note sent to Fides. "Human life should be respected and safeguarded from conception until natural death. In confronting the questions of abortion and destruction of embryos, our society often remains silent and passive. Thus, we appreciate the appeal of the doctors and obstetricians, who make their voice heard through the anti-abortion movement."
According to the Korean Bishops, "given that the government has the duty to protect its citizens, it should do so as well in the case of unborn children, removing the part of the Document on maternal and child care that is in fact a promotion of abortion." In addition, the Commission says, all Koreans should begin a profound reflection on value and respect for human life.
Abortion has been legal in South Korea since 1972. However, the illegal practice of selective abortions has become widespread among families who only want sons. According to data from the pro-life movement "Life 31" there are 4,000 abortions every day in South Korea, and thus, over 1.5 million children who are never born each year. (PA)
(Agenzia Fides 6/11/2009)
