EUROPE/SPAIN -
Madrid (Agenzia Fides) – Catholic obstetricians of the NGO MaterCare
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International (MCI) have called for greater emphasis on prenatal care and more qualified medical assistance to developing countries, instead of increasing reproductive health programs that include birth control through the use of condoms, and so-called "safe" abortions. In this regard, obstetrician and Director of MCI, Robert Walley, said thousands of dollars were spent on these programs, while only a small portion is directed to services that ensure the survival of mothers and children during pregnancy. In addition, the doctor has criticized the fact that many international aid agencies adopt birth control and abortion as their main strategy to reduce maternal deaths in developing countries. Dr. Walley has also indicated that most mothers, particularly in Africa, want to keep their children, as they know they are the future of their family, community, and country. MCI supports the protests against the new abortion law, both in Spain and in other countries of the world. "We are signing an online petition supporting the protests and we are keeping in touch with pro-life associations, although we would also like to maintain contact with obstetricians and gynecologists," said Walley. "The Church, which has a long history in assisting mothers, sees no guarantee for its continuation in this ministry because of the attacks of governments and agencies that offer funding," the Director of MCI said. "They discriminate against Catholic NGOs and deny the right of Catholic doctors to practice their profession conscientiously." The biggest problem is that in the developing world there are not enough qualified doctors or hospitals to assist mothers, particularly in rural areas. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, each year about 529,000 women die from complications during childbirth, and for each one who dies at childbirth, 20 more suffer injuries, infections, or diseases. Many die alone because of bleeding (25%), an infection (12%), and dystocia in childbirth due to young age (8%), hypertension (12%), malaria, HIV and acute anemia (12% ).
(AP) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2010)
