The House of Lords’ decision to retain clause 208 in the Crime and Police Bill, which decriminalizes abortion up to birth in certain circumstances, has prompted an immediate reaction from the English episcopate, which warns of its serious consequences.
According to the statement issued by the Archbishop of Liverpool, John Sherrington—responsible for life issues of the Episcopal Conference—, this measure represents a worrying step that could put both pregnant women and their unborn children at risk.
“Deeply dismayed” by the decision
The prelate has expressed his “deep dismay” at the rejection of the amendment presented by Baroness Monckton, which sought to remove this clause from the legislative text.
In his statement, Sherrington warns that the decriminalization of abortion “on demand up to birth” in some cases could lead to an increase in abortions in advanced stages of pregnancy, with particularly serious consequences.
Risks of pressure and isolation for women
The archbishop emphasizes that this decision not only affects the unborn, but also the mother. As he indicates, the new legal framework could increase the risks of women suffering pressure, coercion, or isolation in situations of unexpected pregnancy.
In his view, far from offering a solution, the measure could exacerbate the vulnerability of many women, especially in difficult contexts.
Call to defend life and support mothers
The Archbishop of Liverpool has thanked the work of parliamentarians and organizations that have tried to stop this initiative, as well as those entities that offer practical support to pregnant women.
In the face of the new scenario, he has asked the faithful to redouble their commitment, both through prayer and through concrete help, to accompany mothers and protect the life of the unborn.
Inspired by the Holy Family, Sherrington has called to continue defending the dignity of all human life, both of the child in the mother’s womb and of the mother.