CM and Belgian politicians condemn Pope Francis's "insulting" remarks on abortion
The Christian Mutuality (CM) Health Fund has expressed outrage over remarks made by Pope Francis regarding abortion during his visit to Belgium. Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), leader and outgoing minister of the interior, echoed the concern, noting that while the Pope’s opposition to abortion is well-known, "the harshness of his words" was surprising.
Following his four-day visit to Belgium, Pope Francis referred to abortion as "murder" and described doctors who perform the procedure as "contract killers." He added, “Doctors who do that are—allow me to use that word—contract killers." He made these statements after returning to Rome from Belgium.
On Monday, Luc Van Gorp, the chairman of CM, called the Pope's statements "insulting to all healthcare providers in abortion care." He stated that the Pope's remarks "blame women who undergo an abortion" and question the "professional ethics of abortion doctors."
Importance of accessible healthcare
Van Gorp condemned the comments, highlighting the importance of accessible, affordable and high-quality care for all, including women who find themselves pregnant against their will or whose pregnancies do not proceed as hoped. "These women deserve well-supported abortion care by professionals who feel legitimised," Van Gorp said. He also expressed concern that the Pope’s statements could hinder ongoing discussions on reforming abortion legislation in Belgium. "The progressive insights and the scientific consensus ensure that we can now reevaluate the law and make it even more emancipatory," he added.
Verlinden reacted to the Pope's comments in an interview with De Standaard, saying, "The fact that the Pope is against abortion is not a new position. The harshness of his words, on the other hand, surprises me." She described the comments as "unnecessarily hurtful to women and care providers."
Belgium's history of abortion rights
The Pope’s opposition to abortion was evident throughout his visit to Belgium, particularly during a visit to the grave of the late King Baudouin in the royal crypt in Laeken. The Pope praised the former Belgian monarch for his decision to temporarily abdicate in 1990 rather than sign a bill legalising abortion, referring to the law as "murderous."
Pope Francis’s language, particularly his reference to abortion doctors as "hitmen," is not new. He has used similar rhetoric in the past, including in 2018 when he compared performing an abortion to "ordering a hitman." However, his recent statements have reignited the debate on abortion in Belgium, a country where abortion has been legal since 1990, albeit under specific conditions.
Pope Francis talks with outgoing Belgian minister of interior Annelies Verlinden during a farewell ceremony at Melsbroek air base on 29 September, 2023. © PHOTO VATICAN MEDIA / AFP
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