VANCOUVER, September 6, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller has released a paper on gestational legislation, a topic that has been under debate among pro-life leaders in the nation. Archbishop Miller suggests that Catholics may in good conscience choose to support or to withhold support regarding proposals for gestational legislation.
For instance, some European nations have abortion on demand till 12 weeks and thereafter abortion is made more restrictive unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The concerns regarding the gestational issue concern theology, politics and practicality. And while some have offered Christian theological opinion suggesting a gestational approach is theologically impermissible, Archbishop Miller suggests that it is indeed a theologically permissible proposal.
“Under the conditions articulated in Evangelium Vitae, n. 73, it is morally licit to work for and to vote for legislation, including gestational legislation, which limits the harmful effects of an unjust legal regime that permits abortion,” said Archbishop Miller.
He added: “At the same time, it is also morally licit to withhold support for gestational legislation – and other incrementalist legislative strategies intended to limit access to abortion – if, after prudent reflection, one is convinced that it is an unwise legislative strategy.”
Archbishop Miller’s statement, which was supported by Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins continues: “The conditions articulated in Evangelium Vitae, n. 73 can be applied to the situation in Canada today with regard to gestational legislation. The Catholic faithful are free to support such legislation in good conscience. This does not mean, however, that Catholics are compelled to support gestational legislation.”
The Archbishop’s message comes as many pro-life leaders are working to pursue legislation which all groups can support in common, despite their different views on gestational legislation.
Archbishop Miller’s letter concludes: “We pray that the prolife movement may not be divided in spirit by disagreements regarding the practical wisdom of gestational legislation. We implore all within the movement to refrain from questioning the good will or motives of those who have taken a different stand from their own on this issue.”