EU panel expresses concern over doctor's right to object to abortion

Published: 2006-01-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Criticizing a proposed treaty between the Vatican and Slovakia, a European Union advisory panel said there are limits to a doctor's right to conscientiously object to performing abortions. In mid-December, the EU Network of Independent Experts on Fundamental Rights said conscientious objections cannot be allowed to prevent women from having an abortion when the procedure is legal. In its 41-page report on conscientious objection clauses in Vatican treaties, specifically looking at the proposed treaty with Slovakia, the panel also said such provisions could be seen as granting special status to the Catholic Church and its members in violation of national, European and international laws. The network, an advisory body whose opinions are not binding, was established by the European Commission, an administrative body of the European Union. The commission asked the network to study the Vatican-Slovakian concordat.

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