Abortion activists defeated again at the OAS General Assembly – Personhood.
Washington D.C., June 17, 2015—The 45th
General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) marked a
significant victory for personhood advocates, as civil society groups
overwhelmingly rebuked any attempt to erode Latin American protections
of life.
Incoming Secretary-General of the OAS, Luis Almagro of
Uruguay, has publicly announced his support for imposing abortion and a
radical sexual agenda upon OAS member states, contrary to the mandate of
his position. Because of backlash from civil society, however, Almagro
was forced to promise not to interfere with countries’ pro-life laws.
The civil society forum on human rights delivered a strong
pro-life statement to international ambassadors from OAS member
countries. Organizations from across the hemisphere urged the OAS to
protect the right to life of all human beings, reaffirm its commitment
to its founding charter, and to respect the sovereignty of member
states.
During much anticipated negotiations on the American
Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, most member states did not
sign the treaty or expressed reservations about provisions which seemed
to imply euthanasia.
“The pro-life outcome of the OAS General Assembly is a
resounding success for universal human rights and the rights of nations
to protect personhood,” said Josh Craddock, Director of International
Relations for Personhood USA. “Once again, an overwhelming majority of
civil society representatives expressed support for the personhood laws
present in many Latin American nations.”
Several OAS member countries recognize the personhood of
unborn children and prohibit abortion in their national constitutions,
including the Dominican Republic, Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El
Salvador. Additionally, eighteen Mexican states have passed personhood
amendments.
The American Convention on Human Rights, which binds OAS
member states, also affirms that “Every person has the right to
recognition as a person before the law.”