CNBB disapproves of Brazil’s withdrawal from the international alliance against abortion

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) released a note this Wednesday morning (18) exposing its disapproval of the measure taken by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to withdraw Brazil from the international alliance against abortion.

Adherence to the declaration was made during the Jair Bolsonaro government. In 2020, Brazil and 30 other countries signed the agreement, which represents a position of nations against abortion and for the recognition of the family as the foundation of society.

In a note, the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Women, Human Rights and Citizenship stated that the government considers that the document has a “limiting understanding of sexual and reproductive rights and the concept of family”.

In addition, according to the federal government, the change of position aims to comply with Brazilian legislation and international commitments assumed by Brazil in the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Read the full text of the public note issued by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil:

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNVV) does not agree and expresses its disapproval of any and all initiatives that signal the flexibility of abortion. Thus, the latest measures, such as Brazil’s disassociation from the Geneva Convention and the revocation of the ordinance that determines the communication of abortion due to rape to the police authorities, need to be clarified by the Federal Government, considering that the defense of the unborn child was a commitment assumed in campaign.

The hour calls for wisdom and balance for the effective search for peace. It must be remembered that any attempt against life is also an aggression against the democratic rule of law and constitutes an attack on dignity and social well-being.

The Church, without ties to any party or ideology, faithful to its Master, calls for all 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.

No, blunt, to abortion!

May we be united in promoting the dignity of every human being.

Brasilia, January 18, 2023

Dom Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo

Archbishop of Belo Horizonte (MG)

President of CNBB

Dom Jaime Spengler

Archbishop of Porto Alegre (RS)

First Vice-President of the CNBB

Dom Mario Antonio da Silva

Archbishop of Cuiabá (MT)

Second Vice-President of the CNBB

Don Joel Portella Amado

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

General Secretary of the CNBB