Mexican bishops remind doctors of right to conscientious objection re abortions

Mexico City, Mexico, Apr 30, 2007 / 09:27 am

The bishops of Mexico called on doctors in Mexico City not to perform abortions and reminded them of their human right to conscientious objection.

In a letter issued on Sunday, the bishops lamented the city's decision to legalize the procedure in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, reported The Associated Press.

Mexico City legalized abortion within its jurisdiction last week. It is the only jurisdiction in the country where abortion is legal.

Officials have said doctors at city-run hospitals cannot refuse to perform abortions based on personal moral objection. But Cardinal Norberto Rivera, in a letter issued on Sunday, said they could.

"We call on all of those of good conscience not to be responsible for the abominable act," the letter reportedly states. "We remind the doctors, nurses, health care workers and all those affected by this unjust law, that they can invoke their human right to conscientious objection."

The church is currently under investigation for possibly violating Mexico’s laws forbidding church participation in politics, but it says it will continue its pro-life battle.

Archdiocese spokesman Hugo Valdemar Romero has said doctors and nurses who perform abortions and lawmakers who supported the legalization will be excommunicated.