 A crucial European Parliament vote on whether or not abortion can be considered a human right has been rejected and the matter returned to committee for further consideration. We reported last night that this could be a crucial vote and that – should the motion have been approved – would have meant abortion could be classed as a human right across the European Union. Thankfully, and by the grace of God, 351 MEP’s voted to return the resolution to committee whilst 319 had voted against. Portuguese Socialist MEP Edite Estrela, who drafted the report, was roundly booed as she stood up to address parliament. Estrela has been criticised for her stance on abortion which includes ensuring that conscientious objections to abortion do not limit access to the procedure. The concern here, of course, is that pro-life doctors and medics could be forced to carry out the procedure or risk losing their job. This news is a significant victory for life, although there is admittedly still some way to go. But it is abundantly clear that, with this news and also the news that the ‘One of Us’ campaign has reached 1.3 million signatories, Europe is a continent that supports life. Let’s hope and pray it stays that way. |
