CNBB disapproves actions of the Lula government to make abortion more flexible in Brazil

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) expressed its disapproval of “any and all initiatives that signal the flexibility of abortion”, and cites measures adopted by the Ministry of Health in recent days. The note was released on Wednesday (18).

This Tuesday (17), the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that Brazil is no longer part of the international agreement of the Geneva Consensus, in defense of life from conception, women’s health, the strengthening of the family and of the sovereignty of each nation in global politics. In addition, the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, recently revoked the ordinance that required doctors to notify police authorities in cases of abortion resulting from rape. The lack of communication prevents crimes of rape from being investigated and punished and facilitates abortion to be practiced in cases not permitted by law, under false allegations of rape.

In view of this, the CNBB asked for clarification from the Federal Government “considering that the defense of the unborn child was a commitment assumed in the campaign and also regarding Brazil’s disassociation from the Geneva Convention”.

“The hour calls for wisdom and balance for the effective search for peace. It is necessary to remember that any attack against life is also an aggression against the Democratic State of Law and configures attacks on dignity and social well-being”, wrote the CNBB.

The CNBB highlighted that the Church has no link with a party or ideology and that “calls for everyone to unite in the defense and protection of life in all its stages – a mission that requires commitment to the poor, to pregnant women and their families , especially with the helpless life in gestation”.

Lula’s promise

The revocation of norms that restrict abortion contradicts the speech of the then candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. On the eve of the second round, even having previously stated that he was in favor of allowing Brazilians to have an abortion “without being ashamed”, the then candidate changed his speech and said he was against the practice.

Trying to get the vote of Christian voters, the PT released a letter in which he claims to be against the practice and says that the issue is the responsibility of the National Congress. “To me life is sacred, the handiwork of the Creator and my commitment has always been and will be to his protection,” he wrote.