Amnesty to defy Catholic church over rape victims' abortion rights

[babsbunny]

http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2859077.ece

By Andy McSmith
Published: 13 August 2007
Amnesty International is set to defy the Vatican and risk the wrath of Catholics around the world over its decision to back abortion for rape victims.

Leaders of the international human rights group meeting in Mexico are expected to reaffirm the policy adopted by its executive board in April after two years of soul-searching within the organisation.

The decision, which will also cover women whose health is at risk from giving birth, follows the use of mass rape as a political weapon in the conflict in Darfur. But Amnesty has infuriated the Vatican by expanding its definition of human rights to include access to abortion, prompting leading Catholics to accuse the organisation of having "betrayed its mission". Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, has threatened that unless Amnesty's policy is reversed, the Vatican will call upon Catholics worldwide to boycott the organisation.

"If, in fact, Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organisations must withdraw their support because, in deciding to promote abortion rights, Amnesty International has betrayed its mission," he said.

[Ian David]

1. Amnesty International vs. Black Collar Douchebaggery. n/t

[Totally Committed]

2. Right on!

Go, Amnesty International!!!

I support your decision. The check is in the mail!

TC

[sinkingfeeling]

3. I'll side with Amnesty!!

[MonkeyFunk]

4. Good for AI

it's barbaric to force a rape victim to give birth.

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. A stand against theology-based fascism

:kick: and recommended.

[donsu]

6. raped women thank you Amnesty International and so do I

the pope is anti woman

[DaveinMD]

7. we'll have to

increase our donation to Amnesty.

[provis99]

8. I'm loath to criticize Catholicism;

being Protestant and all. What I would like to see though is a poll done on DU of our Catholic members only on issues like this. It would be interesting to hear what liberal Catholics have to say, and whether they have to deal with conflicting thoughts on the Church's directives.

[pingzing58]

10. As a Liberal Catholic I agree with Amnesty Intr.'s decision

because of the Church's teaching on women. I've posted here before that the Roman Catholic teaching on women is not very different from the teaching of Islam. Both hold repressive views. Islam promotes the Burkah and Catholics call it "modest dress" just see what that means by tuning in to EWTN and Mother Angelica and see how she dresses. Even the most Catholic of countries like Mexico have allowed for abortion in the case of incest and rape. What the Cardinal is threatening is that any Roman Catholic who is a member of or supports the work of Amnesty International will be automatically excommunicated for supporting abortion even if indirectly. We all need to be very of aware of protecting girls and women and their rights, security and safety by law. The repression of women is a great concern for western society.

[RainDog]

11. seems to apply to every fundie religion

...but you know, the Catholic church gave Galileo a break after 600 years, so I guess there's hope for women too... /snark.

[GeorgeGist]

9. Boycotting the Catholic Church ...

since 1963 .... and my soul thanks me for it.