Volume 12, Number 33

July 30, 2009

Rocco Buttiglione Clarifies Remarks on Abortion, Assuages Pro-Life Concerns

By Piero A. Tozzi, J.D.

     (NEW YORK - C-FAM)  Italian parliamentarian Rocco Buttiglione said he would do nothing to break pro-life "unity," reassuring those who were concerned that the Catholic and pro-life icon was undermining their efforts by adopting the soft "abortion reduction" rhetoric of pro-Obama Catholics. Buttiglione said that reports claiming he had said it was a "mistake" to have supported penal prohibitions of abortion had quoted him "out of context."

     In his Friday Fax interview, Buttiglione emphasized that the "life of the child should be defended with all possible means." In some countries – such as those of Latin America, where abortion is generally criminalized – legislators should fight to keep penal prohibitions in place. But in countries like Italy, outright prohibition lacks popular support. Instead, efforts should be made to find common ground that will result in limitations on abortion.

     He cited as a prime example of a common ground initiative the Italian parliamentary vote directing the Italian government to push for a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution that "condemns the use of abortion as an instrument of demographic control and affirms the right of each woman not to be forced to undergo abortion." Buttiglione shepherded the bill through parliament.

     Buttiglione said his UN initiative gave those who label themselves "pro-choice" the opportunity to "prove" that they truly are for choice and oppose coercion, and are not simply in favor of abortion as a means of population control.

     Buttiglione further stated that laws against abortion must be complemented by policies supportive of motherhood, the "ideal" being "legal protections to defend the life of the child, and good policies for the mother."

     In words likely to stir debate over the voting habits of Catholic politicians in this country, Buttiglione asserted that a legislator "can never support a position that is intrinsically evil" or "vote for a bill that sacrifices the life of one single child." While it is permissible to support legislation "that protects the life of some children, even if protection is not extended to all," one cannot "give any assent to the death of those you cannot save."

     Marie Smith, the director of the Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues, which links pro-life parliamentarians around the globe, commented positively on the interview, noting that Buttiglione recognizes that "lawmakers in each country" will analyze their laws and policies differently depending on their circumstances. Though she had been critical of his earlier comments, she welcomed his spotlighting "the linkage of legalization of abortion with development aid," noting that "lawmakers in developing countries which prohibit or restrict abortion are experiencing increased pro-abortion pressure" from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and donor countries.  

     Matthew Bowman of the Alliance Defense Fund had criticized Buttiglione after his initial comments in the Italian press. He told the Friday Fax that Buttiglione's clarification indicated "good progress," but added that he still hoped to see Buttiglione consider other types of legislative initiatives to reduce abortion that fall short of "criminalizing women." Such initiatives include "preventing government abortion funding, requiring parental notification, and penalizing abortionists rather than women," according to Bowman.
 
     Buttiglione is expected to come to the United States this fall to speak to pro-life leaders about his UN initiative.

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