Monaco's Abortion Legalization Debate Intensifies as Church Responds
Archbishop Dominique-Marie David highlights concerns over proposed abortion law in pastoral letter.
In a recent pastoral letter distributed during Sunday Mass, Archbishop Dominique-Marie David has reiterated the position of the Diocese regarding the proposed law to decriminalize abortion in Monaco.
This comes in the wake of a nearly unanimous vote by the National Council, with only two exceptions, supporting the draft law aimed at decriminalizing voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG).
This legislative push follows a consultation where approximately 80% of respondents expressed favor for legalizing abortion in the principality.
Archbishop David characterized the proposal as a 'point of no return' for the principality.
He expressed concerns that the topic of abortion, which he noted disturbs 'the thoughts of many of you [the faithful],' has resurfaced in the political discourse unexpectedly.
The archbishop stated, 'The debate on abortion emerged suddenly in the Monegasque political agenda, driven by media campaigns, despite it not being part of the elected majority's electoral program.' He highlighted that such a rapid shift could undermine the credibility of elected officials.
In 2019, during discussions about a law that would lift the penal sanctions against women who have undergone abortions, members of the National Council affirmatively stated they had reached a balance concerning the constitutional provisions of the principality.
However, some members have since changed their stance, raising concerns about the implications for political trust.
The archbishop's letter elaborated on the intersection of biological theories and the cultural identity of Monaco, asserting that the country’s identity is tied to Catholic faith.
He suggested that allowing abortion could jeopardize the 'precious and fragile' national cohesion.
'In the principality, we take pride in defending our specificities.
Among these is the confessional nature of the state,' he asserted, detailing how the state religion is foundational to Monegasque law and integral to national identity.
In explaining the church's position, Archbishop David emphasized scientific perspectives on the beginning of human life, stating that 'the embryo is not merely a mass of cells' but a distinct entity belonging to the human species.
He expressed concern that abortion could reflect a broader societal issue, referencing the late Pope Francis's concept of the 'culture of waste.'
On the opposing side, Thomas Brezzo, the president of the National Council, argued that the proposed legislation does not contradict Monegasque laws.
In discussions, Brezzo noted that comparative law studies had been conducted, including an examination of canon law, confirming compatibility with the principality's legal framework.
He cited examples of countries with strong religious traditions, like England and Greece, which have advanced women's rights without legal contradictions, as potential models for Monaco.
This comes in the wake of a nearly unanimous vote by the National Council, with only two exceptions, supporting the draft law aimed at decriminalizing voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG).
This legislative push follows a consultation where approximately 80% of respondents expressed favor for legalizing abortion in the principality.
Archbishop David characterized the proposal as a 'point of no return' for the principality.
He expressed concerns that the topic of abortion, which he noted disturbs 'the thoughts of many of you [the faithful],' has resurfaced in the political discourse unexpectedly.
The archbishop stated, 'The debate on abortion emerged suddenly in the Monegasque political agenda, driven by media campaigns, despite it not being part of the elected majority's electoral program.' He highlighted that such a rapid shift could undermine the credibility of elected officials.
In 2019, during discussions about a law that would lift the penal sanctions against women who have undergone abortions, members of the National Council affirmatively stated they had reached a balance concerning the constitutional provisions of the principality.
However, some members have since changed their stance, raising concerns about the implications for political trust.
The archbishop's letter elaborated on the intersection of biological theories and the cultural identity of Monaco, asserting that the country’s identity is tied to Catholic faith.
He suggested that allowing abortion could jeopardize the 'precious and fragile' national cohesion.
'In the principality, we take pride in defending our specificities.
Among these is the confessional nature of the state,' he asserted, detailing how the state religion is foundational to Monegasque law and integral to national identity.
In explaining the church's position, Archbishop David emphasized scientific perspectives on the beginning of human life, stating that 'the embryo is not merely a mass of cells' but a distinct entity belonging to the human species.
He expressed concern that abortion could reflect a broader societal issue, referencing the late Pope Francis's concept of the 'culture of waste.'
On the opposing side, Thomas Brezzo, the president of the National Council, argued that the proposed legislation does not contradict Monegasque laws.
In discussions, Brezzo noted that comparative law studies had been conducted, including an examination of canon law, confirming compatibility with the principality's legal framework.
He cited examples of countries with strong religious traditions, like England and Greece, which have advanced women's rights without legal contradictions, as potential models for Monaco.
