US Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade ‘hopeful and encouraging sign’ – Archbishop Eamon Martin

by | 5 Jul, 2022 | News

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, celebrated Mass at Saint Saviour’s Church and Dominican Priory, Dublin, at the outset of the Rally for Life on Sunday 2 July last.

Addressing those in the pro-life cause during his homily, Archbishop Martin said, “Often you face setbacks, because the pro-life message is counter-cultural, and is falsely portrayed as negative, “anti-women”, “anti-choice”, or lacking in compassion.  Sometimes, as in the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court on Roe v Wade, there are hopeful and encouraging signs that the context is shifting and that the rebuilding of a culture of life is possible.  We know, of course, that the right to life is not given to us by any Constitution or by any law.  All human beings have it ‘as of right’, whether we are wealthy or poor, healthy or sick, young or old, born or unborn.”

Pointing to the shortcomings of the legislation that followed the repeal of the 8th amendment, the Primate continued, “As people who cherish life we cannot fail to be moved by the personal stories of so many women in Ireland who feel isolated in pregnancy, and who feel neglected and alone in their distress.  Sadly and shockingly, the number of abortions in Ireland – which had been falling prior to the referendum – has increased significantly since the repeal of the 8th amendment and subsequent legislation.

“During the referendum campaign there were many calls and promises of help for women in crisis, but it seems that a mother in distress is often left feeling that her only option is to choose to end the life of her unborn baby girl or boy.  Every woman deserves all the love, support and resources she needs to bring her child into the world, but where is the compassion and accompaniment for a woman in crisis that was promised?”

To read the full homily, click here.

ENDS

Archives

Latest Videos

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This