“We believe that the terms of reference of the Expert Groups report were far too restricted”, he continues, “the focus was towards legislation for limited abortion and that we do not accept”.
The government appointed expert group were called to report on the European Court for Human Rights judgement in A,B and C versus Ireland, which states that legislation to regulate access to lawful termination of pregnancy in Ireland is “constitutionally, legally and procedurally sound”.
The government is now studying the reports recommendations.
The Bishops state that “of the four options presented by the Report, three involve abortion – the direct and intentional killing of an unborn child. This can never be morally justified. The judgement of the European Court of Human Rights does not oblige the Irish Government to legislate for abortion”.
Earlier this week an estimated 8 thousand people held a candle light vigil outside Parliament buildings calling on the government to uphold the right to life of the mother and unborn as enshrined in the nations’ constitution.
“What was so special about the Vigil for life this week”, notes Bishop O’Reilly, “was that people from across Ireland, Catholic and non Catholic, people of no particular religious affiliation travelled to Dublin to express their concern about the reality of the change in this country. We want to uphold and we want to maintain our very strong pro-life ethos. The ethical basis for the positive approach to pro-life goes beyond the Christian understanding of morality. Its an issue that affects all of society”.