Reflections on Respect for Life

The Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishop
September 11, 2008

For the past several months, heated public debates concerning two events are indicative of our society’s attitude toward respect for human life, specifically facing unborn children. If we are concerned about the future of our society, it is urgent to hold a civilized and respectful debate on the ethical and legal aspects pertaining to the respect for all human life, including that which is developing in a woman’s body and asks to be welcomed.

A unanimous vote in the National Assembly

Last April 17th, the National Assembly voted unanimously in favor of a motion put forward by three members of parliament representing each of the parties in the Assembly. This motion was a protest against Bill C-484, otherwise known as the Unborn Victims of Crime Act, which had been presented in the House of Commons. Subsequently, many opinions have been voiced – including those from presidents of medical associations – against any bill that could possibly be interpreted as guaranteeing fetal rights[1]. What is particularly disturbing here is how automatically the issues are settled based on a supposed ‘social consensus’.

At a time when we invest extensive human and financial resources to save premature babies, this refusal to envision that the fetus is a human being who could have rights profoundly concerns us. There is not enough consideration of indisputable biological and psychological data. Have we turned a deaf ear to the experiences of many women who very early on in their pregnancies said they could feel the presence of a distinct being within themselves? Are we refusing to drive certain ethical and legal conclusions from this reality?

 A highly contested honor

On July 1st, we learned that the Governor-General of Canada had awarded the Order of Canada to Dr. Henry Morgentaler. This decision unleashed a vigorous debate which often was not an example of respectful tolerance. Many joyfully greeted the decision which they termed historic; others expressed their profound opposition. “Pro-life” and “Pro-choice” proponents squared off, reasserting their respective positions as to the rights of the embryo and the pregnant woman. The harshness of the exchanges proved once again that there are in our society divergent views about the concept of human life. We deplore the fact that the highly respected Consultative Committee for the Order of Canada would choose to honor a person whose professional activity, far from rallying people, has caused profound divisions. Is it not a concession to “political correctness” that would assume there has been a definitive ruling on the abortion debate? With respect to our position, we cannot but express our profound disapproval with this decision in so far as it honors a practice that a great part of the population disagrees with and that deprives the country of citizens which it sorely needs.

This is why the Assembly of Québec Catholic bishops unanimously supports the decision taken by Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte to renounce the title of Officer of the Order of Canada and return the insignia that he was given in 1996.

These two events are symptoms of a profound malaise - as are the recurring attempts in support of euthanasia and assisted suicide. On the one hand, we say we are in favor of life, yet on the other hand, are we not tempted to determine which lives deserve to continue living?

Toward a civilized debate and a strong commitment in favor of life

For these reasons we feel it is imperative to speak out strongly and invite the government and the population as a whole to profound reflections on this topic. Simultaneously, it is essential to put in place a series of measures that substantially address the economic and cultural causes of abortion and to provide tangible support to couples and single women who are faced with wrenching decisions. In addition to being a human drama, abortion is a political problem. It challenges the State, guarantor of the common good and human rights. It also challenges each one of us to develop a deep sense of the dignity of all human life and to commit ourselves concretely to helping people in difficulty.

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