British archbishop denounces defeat of reproduction amendments

Published: 2008-01-23

LONDON (CNS) -- A British Catholic archbishop has denounced the defeat of an attempt to stop late-term abortions for minor disabilities. Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff, Wales, also criticized the House of Lords' rejection of an amendment to uphold the obligation of fertility doctors to consider a child's need for a father when providing in vitro fertilization. "Both amendments sought to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society," said Archbishop Smith in a Jan. 22 statement to Catholic News Service. "Their rejection by the House of Lords once again raises profound issues about the way we as a society treat human life," said Archbishop Smith, chairman of the Department of Christian Responsibility and Citizenship of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. He urged Catholics and other people of good will to write to their elected representatives to express "our deep concerns about these issues."

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