Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Montevideo (Agenzia Fides) – Uruguay's President Tabare Vazquez, who is also a doctor of medicine, yesterday (November 13) vetoed a part of the Law on Sexual Health and Reproduction, which called for the decriminalization of abortion. In addition, as they had announced several days ago, the Public Health Minister, Maria Julia Muñoz, and the Internal Affairs Minister, Hector Lescano, also signed the veto.
On November 4, the House of Representatives passed the controversial law in a 49-48 vote. The law on sexual health and reproduction would also decriminalize abortion in Uruguay. After the vote, it was expected that the President would fulfill the promise he had made on various occasions to veto the bill.
The veto applies to chapters 2,3,and 4, leaving only chapter 1. Chapter 2, Article 8 read: “in the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights, which this law recognizes and protects, every woman can decide to terminate her pregnancy during the first twelve weeks of gestation.” According to Article 9, the voluntary termination of a pregnancy would be possible if a woman were to give the doctor certain circumstances, such as “lack of economic, social, or family-related means,” situations which in the end, lead to the practice of abortion for any reason whatsoever. The draft bill only indicated that the woman should sign an informed consent.
The Bishops of the country had made repeated pleas, asking that the law not be passed. The last appeal was made this past November 7, during their Plenary Assembly, in which they mentioned that “the value of human life is a good for each and every person in society and it is above all other interests.” Thus, “no honest law can justify eliminating a defenseless human being with the right to live and be born” (see Fides 10/11/2008). Archbishop Nicholas Cotugno of Montevideo also recently recalled that according to Canon Law, “all who vote in favor of or support or promote abortion are automatically excommunicated. And this excommunication, according to Canon Law, takes effect immediately” (see Fides 4/11/2008). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2008)
