Two former moderators of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland have written to all TDs and Senators to express grave concern at recommendations that unrestricted abortion be allowed in Ireland up to 12 weeks and for health reasons thereafter. In their letter, Rev Dr Trevor Morrow and Rev Dr Norman Hamilton said: “Our Church holds a strongly pro-life position, while recognising that there can be very exceptional circumstances when the termination of pregnancy may be necessary”. They continued: “However, we are very gravely concerned about the (Oireachtas) Committee’s recommendations to introduce abortion with no restriction as to reason until the 12th week of gestation, and beyond 12 weeks on health grounds. It was “clear that Irish society has come to value unborn human life in a way that it is not valued in other societies, demonstrating how the law plays an important role in shaping culture. “We welcome the reference in the Committee’s report to perinatal hospice care – something which our Church has been calling for, to provide supportto parents in cases of life-limiting illness while respecting the life of the unborn child.”

Source: The Irish Times January 18, 2018 11:15 UTC