Canadian bishops: protect human life from moment of conception
On Tuesday, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton issued a press release on a motion
in the Canadian parliament that would re-open the debate in the country on the beginning
of human life. Under current Canadian law, a child is only considered a human being
at the moment of 'complete' birth--despite all scientific evidence to the contrary.
In their statement, the Canadian bishops "encourage Canadian Catholics, and
all people of good will, to pray that our legislators be blessed with wisdom and courage
to do what is best to protect and further the common good, which is based on respect
for the human dignity of all."
Read the full statement:
STATEMENT
OF THE CANADIAN BISHOPS CONCERNING MOTION 312
Later this month, on September
21, Members of Parliament will continue debate on Motion 312, proposed by Mr. Stephen
Woodworth, MP. A few days later, on September 26, they are scheduled to vote on the
motion. It calls for the House of Commons to form a special committee which would
review a statement in the Criminal Code of Canada that “a child becomes a human being
only at the moment of complete birth.” Article 223 (1) of the Code reads: “A child
becomes a human being within the meaning of this Act when it has completely proceeded,
in a living state, from the body of its mother.” The official and complete text of
Motion 312 is found on the website of the Parliament of Canada at .
The Catholic
Church holds that a human being comes into existence at conception. The lives of human
beings are, therefore, sacred at every stage in our existence -- from beginning to
natural end. “Blessed is the fruit of your womb,” the Gospel of Luke says in reference
to Mary, who was pregnant with child, Our Lord.
As the House of Commons prepares
to debate Motion 312, the Bishops of Canada invite all members of the Parliament of
Canada to take into full account the sacredness of the unborn child and each human
life. We also encourage Canadian Catholics, and all people of good will, to pray that
our legislators be blessed with wisdom and courage to do what is best to protect and
further the common good, which is based on respect for the human dignity of all.
+Richard
Smith Archbishop of Edmonton President Canadian Conference of Catholic
Bishops September 18, 2012