The Record Newspaper 29 March 1990

Page 1

PERTH, WA: March 29, 1990

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. WAR 0202

Number 2681

POST ADDRESS: PO Box 50, Northbridge, 6000 W.A. LOCATION: 26 John St Northbridge (east off Fitzgerald St).

TELEPHONE: (09) 328 1388

FAX (09) 328 7307

PRICE 60C

QUOTE V The Catholic view on abortion is well known — no amount of trauma can justify the taking of an innocent life. However the compassion of the Church for the defenceless unborn extends also to those unfortunate mothers driven by desperation to consider abortion an option. I

Aboitot o

Giving protection to a newborn babe

Dangers of having tests on embryos — Page 4

The Catholic Bishops in Western Australia have questioned certain of the recommendations of the Ministerial Task Force reviewing obstetric, neonatal and gynaecological services in Western Australia. In a statement commenting on aspects of a

State Government Report recommending decriminalising abortion and setting up a publicly funded abortion service, they said: "The recommendations deal with the question of

unplanned pregnancy as though such pregnancy in itself was a health hazard, or at least a mere medical condition, and that the only human life needing to be protected was that of the mother." "In seeking to repeal the laws affecting termination of pregnancy in the Criminal Code, and to replace them with regulatory provisions within the Health Act (Vol.' P26) it appears to us that the flimsy protection of the innocent unborn we now have would be lessened still further.

"It is the duty of the law to protect the innocent, and we believe that this is done more effectively through the Criminal Code than through other legal procedures." -The Task Force report states (Vol.11 P376); Termination of pregnancy is an integral part of any fertility regulation services . . . In 1988, 7387 were terminations known to have been performed (in Western Australia); no doubt were more many reported as dilatation and curettage . . . Several larger regional hospitals

do not record the proce-

dure of termination of pregnancy in their morbidity reports although such operations are known to occur in these hospitals." "The report also recommends (Vol.! P26) that a t ermination of pregnancy service should be available in the public sector and inlcude pre and post -termination counselling." "The Catholic view on abortion is well known — no amount of trauma can justify the taking of an innocent life. "However the compas-

sion of the Church for the defenceless unborn extends also to those unfortunate mothers driven by desperation to consider abortion an option." "In the expenditure of public monies we would rather see more emphasis on the education of young people to care for and respect their own bodies and the bodies of others. "Thus counselling for marriage and for responsible parenthood are a natural extension of an approach to life where

THERE IS A BETTER WAY, SAY W.A. BISHOPS the welfare and dignity of those in a loving relationship are of paramount importance. "To use public money to multiply abortion facilities we would find abhorrent." "Where no amount of help can make it possible for a mother to raise her own child then the Church and other caring bodies offer another option. "We can arrange for the adoption of an infant into a caring family home. Adoption can be the beginning of a new life for mother, for child and

for the fortunate family who have care of the newly born infant." `There is a special need for the pastoral care of those who have suffered an abortion, recognised somewhat in the Task force recommendation mentioned above. "Abortion commonly leads to a mother's remorse and loss of selfrespect. "The Church also believes that such unfortunate women must be cared for in a nonjudgemental and loving way.

Bring back the Angelus SYDNEY: One of the world's senior prelates, A ustralian, Cardinal Freeman, has suggested that it is time to bring back the A ngelus.

Cardinal Freeman, one of the world's senior

prelates.

In a statement to The Catholic Weekly, Cardinal Freeman said: "It may be justly said that the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) is a feast that does not always receive the notice that it deserves, reminding us as it does, of the Blessed Virgin being told that she is to be the Mother of God and the awesome fact that God

with the Incarnation of of our Salvation. It began, 3. In how many parthe Son of God, the most it seems, as a prayer for ishes and religious startling event in the peace and safety, with a houses the Angelus Bell The more we consider history of the world and strong biblical character is rung even once in the the Son of God becoming she lives and moves in and was continued as a day? man, the more we con- the glow of that mystery. reminder of that moment in human history when It may be objected that sider the wondrous love that prompted him and "Everything she is, "the Word was made today there are more the more we appreciate everything she does, is Flesh and dwelt among serious questions to be event us". answered, more serious the great dignity thus enriched by that undercannot be she and bestowed on Mary. At morning, noon and problems to be solved. it." Down through the ages stood apart from evening the Angelus was On the other hand, is it great and saintly men One prayer that brings rung, calling the faithful not possible that in the have been enthralled, the Incarnation and Our to recite this beautiful confusion we may be overlooking some of the fascinated and inspired Lady's part in it strikingly prayer. fundamental truths of by the wonderful mys- to mind is the Angelus. Could we not ask religion. our tery and it is to our loss It is a prayer, we are ourselves: if perhaps we have not told, that goes back into 1. How many say the Let's bring the Angelus considered it enough. back! the distant past to com- Angelus today? that reminded We are memorate the Annunci- 2. How many know the — from The Catholic Weekly "Mary is thus bound up ation and the beginning Angelus?

the Son was for love of us to become Man.


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