Posted on 02/10/2007 1:02:15 AM PST by Antioch
Representatives from the European Union are increasing pressure on the government of Nicaragua to reverse its recent law which unilaterally forbids abortion under any circumstances. According to a report from the Catholic News Agency, the EU representation has threatened to withdraw economic assistance to the country if the abortion law is not reversed.
Nicaragua’s new abortion law was unanimously voted in by the Nicaraguan Legislature in October, 2006 and signed into law by then President Enrique Bolanos the following month. Nicaragua’s new president, Daniel Ortega voiced his support of the pro-life law in his election campaign.
Marc Litvine, the EU representative to Nicaragua, said that the EU regards legalized abortion as “linked to aid programs against poverty and to the rights of women”. He expressed hope that “the new government will be capable of opening the debate and discussing it outside the passion of the electoral season.”
According to an interview published in Managua’s El Nuevo Diario newspaper, Litvine said that the EU is “concerned” about the recent law. Litvine also accused the supporters of the law of pushing it through in a “hurried” fashion in the days leading up to the election.
Opponents of the pro-life law have argued that it was used as a platform for electoral candidates. The United Nations, organizations such as Human Rights Watch and various feminist groups have condemned the law arguing that it will lead to more clandestine abortions which will, in turn, lead to the deaths of more women. Several organizations have said that they will challenge the constitutionality of the law, calling abortion a “fundamental human right.”
Litvine commented on the new government and its support of the pro-life legislation saying, “That’s where I see one of the contradictions of the new government; it claims to be progressive, very modern, and it is going backwards because for us [the pro-life law] is a step back.”
Nicaragua’s previous abortion law had a loophole which allowed for the killing of the unborn child if the life or health of the mother was determined to be in danger. The ambiguity of the “health” clause in most countries around the globe has eventually led to practical abortion on demand. Nicaragua’s previous law also allowed the child to be killed in utero if she was conceived through rape.
I would like to know the position of the Presidential candidates on this issue. Is it right to deny aide to a country based soley upon abortion laws.
China vs. Nicaragua
Look at which one is getting more presure from the US, EU, UN, etc.
Good point. Once money and economic integration between countries increases, our ability to uphold Christian virtues becomes more and more difficult. Take a trip to any Walmart or Costco-who now makes the vast majority of our durable goods? Abortion central- China. Couple that with our other big trading partners Islamic Oil and Paganized Europe and Canada. Can we promote the Gospel of Life in the world beyond our own backyard anymore? Doubtful.
The United States should withdraw some of the financial aid it gives to EU countries (does it?), if it gives such aid, and then donate that money to Nicaragua.
That stated, American ability to bend other countries to the American will over Christian values is weakening, as is American global power in general. Add to this, the decline in Christian values here in this country--more effort should be put to trying to preserve widespread Christian values (people can't be forced to be Christians) in the United States, while also trying to support Christian values (i.e. pro-life, abstinence as the long term goal to confront AIDS, etc.) abroad.
Well said.
Dinesh D'Souza - 1
Victor Davis Hanson - 0
I'd be happy if the abortion happy USA would have the same restrictions as the EU on abortion.
You can rant and rave about the EU on this one but the US is still the leader between the two in legalized murder/abortion. Harder to get one in the EU than in the US. Think about it.
A little link for you to ruminate on instead of getting into a huffy:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1775693/posts.
abortion ping.
I've read that thread already. It supports what I just said.
Thank you very much.
" Opponents of the pro-life "
Opponents of the pro-life do not understand
the value of their own life.
They have no self respect.
If you appreciate your own life,
you understand how important it is to the next human.
" The ambiguity of the “health” clause in most countries around the globe has eventually led to practical abortion on demand. "
Exactly, far too many abortions for too few medical reasons.
Even 'pro-lifers' like me understand
if it is a serious complication,
there maybe a medical reason to abort,
but far too many excuses pass for 'health clause'
Judgement day will sort out 'health clauses' that are not,
Though it would be perfered
to get it right before,
so many other humans
would not be robbed
of their lifes.
Now that he supports the preservation of human life, they want to distance themselves from him.
As I've said before: Only women, and not politicians, can stop abortion.
abortion ping.
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