Argentinean bishops call for civil code changes to protect the family

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug 24, 2012 / 11:05 am

The Bishops' Conference of Argentina has called on congress to modify a proposed revision of the country's civil code to prevent harm to the family and protect the life of the unborn.

Argentina needs a society "in which stable bonds are fostered and priority is given to the protection of children and the most defenseless," the bishops said in an Aug. 23 statement.   

"We need to recognize and grant legal protection to all human life from the moment of conception, and we need to remember that not everything that is scientifically possible is ethically acceptable."

The new civil code being debated in the Argentinean Congress would allow abortion, euthanasia and fast-track divorce. Under the new code, unborn babies before a certain stage would not be considered persons, the freezing of embryos for commercial purposes or scientific research would be allowed, and surrogate motherhood would be legitimized, the bishops said.  

The emotional bonds of marriage would also be weakened and devalued, they argued.

Every legislative reform has an impact on the culture and daily life of a nation, the bishops noted, warning that the proposed new code embraces a model of the family that is individualistic.

The code is also opposed to gospel and fundamental social values, they added, "such as stability, commitment to others, the sincere gift of self, fidelity, respect for one's life and those of others, the duties of parents and the rights of children."

Archbishop Jose Maria Arancedo, president of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina, is slated to participate in an upcoming joint congressional committee debate on the civil code.