The Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop John Sherrington, is asking Catholics to contact their MPs to encourage them to oppose two amendments on abortion in the Crime and Policing Bill:
“We are deeply alarmed by two amendments that have been submitted to the Crime and Policing Bill. These would further reduce the protection of unborn children and their mothers. Out of compassion for pregnant women and their babies, the Catholic Church believes that the law should offer protection to the unborn and that society should offer support for parents who need it. The proposed amendments would take our law further in the wrong direction.
“Under New Clause 1, the criminal law would no longer apply in relation to women acting to end their pregnancy, at any time, including up to and during birth. This is likely to result in an increased illegal use of abortion pills and an escalation in late-term at-home abortions, putting the lives and health of many pregnant women and their babies in grave danger. It would undermine the necessary judicial mechanisms to protect women from being coerced or pressurized into an abortion.
“New Clause 20 would decriminalise abortion completely up to and during birth. This would leave women with little protection against forced or coerced abortions by families and third parties. Abortion would become available on demand and up to birth. There is little support amongst the general public for such an extreme law which entirely overturns the existing framework and totally disregards the humanity of the unborn baby.  
“Keeping abortion within the criminal law provides some level of protection for women and unborn children. Of course, where cases do arise under the current law, the authorities should act with both justice and mercy.
“Pregnant women and their unborn babies both have inherent dignity, and as such, mothers need to be supported in welcoming new life. Several Catholic organisations work tirelessly to provide support for parents and children. This is the truly safe, compassionate, and caring response to parents who are expecting a baby. I thank them for their work. 
“I encourage all faithful Catholics, and those who care for the lives of children and mothers, to contact their MPs and encourage them to oppose these amendments.”
Archbishop John Sherrington
Lead Bishop for Life Issues and Archbishop of Liverpool


TAKE ACTION: How can I contact my MP?
You can write to your local MP to make your voice heard on this important issue.
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From the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, is fast approaching its decisive vote in the House of Commons which will likely take place on either the 13th or 20th of June. The Catholic bishops of England and Wales oppose this flawed bill both in principle and in practice.

Among the many concerns, we are particularly alarmed by the following:

• This legislation would require many hospices and care homes to facilitate assisted suicide. This will put in jeopardy their ability to provide care. Parliament has rejected an amendment that would have allowed institutions to opt out of participating in the provision of assisted suicide.
  
• The provisions for conscientious objection for health and social care workers are both unclear and inadequate. This problem will not be addressed by proposed amendments.
  
• Safeguards against coercion for the most vulnerable are wholly inadequate, particularly in cases involving coercive control or social pressure. During Committee Stage, the bill’s main proponent was unable to confirm whether individuals seeking assisted suicide due to financial concerns or feelings of being a burden would be prevented from accessing it.2 Since then, no progress has been made, and many MPs consider the existing safeguards insufficient, with the potential to result in a “terrible tragedy.”
  

We note the opposition for the bill from key professional bodies including the Royal College of Psychiatrists whose members will be expected to be involved in the process of assessing those who elect for assisted suicide.

We have already seen the bill weakened during Committee Stage. In addition, MPs are expected to debate nearly 60 pages of amendments in under 15 hours. The whole process by which this bill has been brought forward and debated is insufficient for such a radical change.

We urge Catholics, and all people of goodwill, to contact their MP and ask them to vote against this bill. We also ask you to pray that our representatives choose to protect the most vulnerable citizens of this country when they vote later this month.

You can contact your MP using this this tool.

Archbishop John Sherrington Lead Bishop for Life Issues and Archbishop of Liverpool
Lead Bishop for Life Issues and Archbishop of Liverpool

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the beautiful ‘Canticle of the Sun’ composed by St Francis of Assisi.  CAFOD has prepared a novena of meditations based on the Canticle, available as both Youtube videos and in written form.  CAFOD writes:
"Nine brief reflections asking St Francis of Assisi to pray for us and our world, based on his beautiful Canticle of the Sun. This novena is a song of penitence and praise, guiding us to care for the earth and for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, especially the Amazon peoples. They are currently under grave risk given their fragile situation, often in remote locations far from government services. Communities with whom we work are reporting a sharp increase in predatory attacks on land. People smugglers are also active and those being trafficked are in more danger than ever, having no access to healthcare.Use these video prayers over nine days or at nine moments of personal prayer. Each has four phases: Canticle; Amazon voice; penitential prayer; plea for intercession." Novena to St Francis or Novena to Youtube: St Francis: For the love of creation. First prayer: Sun | CAFOD