The Government and Morals Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church gave a submission yesterday(5/2/98), to the Health Commmittee of the Northern IReland Forum.
During the sermon, the Ministers consistently referred to the foetus or embryo as an unborn child. They presented their case against abortion based on their impertration of the Bible and gave no arguments based on a human rights perspective.
When asked directly if they supported capital punishment - they said they did, because the State carried it out! Who do they think carries out abortions? They gave no thought to women who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy for whatever reason. They gave no evidence as to what action they were taking to combat unwanted pregnancies, such as sex education and pregnancy and contraceptive advice.
They protest and use the same arguments as their so-called theological opponents in the Catholic Church. On this issue they have more in common with the teachings of Catholicism than Unionism.
While the PUP are not anti-abortionist, we are pro-choice, we believe every woman has a right to choose whether she should continue with a pregnancy or end it.
This is a human rights issue and the rights of women are all too often ignored or made impossible by people claiming a monopoly on the right to life. Do any of these men on the morals Committee or any of the male Ulster MPs give any thought to a woman and how she may feel when faced with an unwanted pregnancy? I think not - their words speak louder than their actions.
It is our role as political activists to ensure that there is legislation in place to facilitate the exercising of choices and the accessing of options.
Contact: Ms Eileen Ward PUP