Archbishop rejects attempt to legalize abortion and euthanasia in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, Nov 28, 2006 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago of Leon has denounced a proposal by the leftists PRI party to legalize abortion and euthanasia in Mexico City saying the idea goes “against human values such as life.”

Last week Representative Armando Tonatiuh Gonzalez Case of the PRI party introduced a measure that would legalize abortion and euthanasia in the Mexican capital.

According to the Notimex news agency, at the conclusion of Mass on Sunday Archbishop Rabago said abortion and euthanasia “are considered immoral acts by the Church, and therefore we will not accept such reforms.”  Life, he added, “is a gift that God has given us and He alone can take it away.”

The measure before the legislative assembly of Mexico’s Federal District calls for the legalization of abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, for all women over the age of 18, for whatever reason.  Minors would have to present their request for an abortion in writing with the support of their parents.  Those who induce others to abortion through deception or threats would only be subject to a maximum prison sentences of three years.

Regarding euthanasia, the measure stipulates that the administration of euthanasia would be allowed if a person expressly requests it “for humanitarian reasons,” and if the person suffers from a terminal illness.