Campaign vs abortion

In what could be the beginning of an aggressive campaign against abortion in the CNMI, religious leaders from various denominations mapped out plans yesterday to counter renewed debate on the controversial issue.

Bishop Tomas A. Camacho said the meeting was meant to discuss the need to continuously educate the people on the moral issue of abortion. “I believe that majority of our people here still believe in the sanctity of human life. We need to continue to be vocal in the teachings of Christ and the Church,” he a group of church leaders.

The planned series of information campaign will culminate in a big pro-life rally scheduled for Jan. 22, 2001. A planning committee was formed with Pastor Ray Kinsella of Grace Christian Church as chair of the group. The group is also seeking the designation of one month in a year as a Right to Life Month.

“All those who believe in the sanctity of life should stand up and be proud that we have a pro-life stand in the Constitution,” said Pastor Kinsella. He wants to see the community’s active involvement on right to life issues which he said can be done by carrying out educational campaign.

“We will not stop fighting for what we believe in until the decision on Roe v Wade is overturned,” Pastor Kinsella said.

In the courts, the abortion is a settled issue after the constitutionality of Roe v Wade was reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court eight years ago. But in the political realm , the issue of abortion is still a divisive issue as legislative leaders have avoided making any statement which may be misinterpreted as a pro-choice stance.

The debate on abortion began when a legal opinion upheld the right of a woman to legally obtain abortion in the Northern Marianas resurfaced following a discussion by legislators recently.

Amid reports that abortion is conducted at the Commonwealth Health Center for medical reasons, the Catholic Church immediately reminded government leaders that the CNMI Constitution prohibits the practice of abortion.

Fr. Gary Bradley emphasized the need to preach what the Catholic church believes is the truth — that abortion is evil. “The religious and faith aspect of it will not change and will not end,” he said.

While the Church is not an expert on jurisprudence, Fr. Bradley, parish priest of Kristo Rai Church, said he does not believe that the issue of abortion here should be settled in court.

According to Fr. Bradley, the Catholic church recognizes the complexity of the legal task that the Commonwealth legislative branch faces. However, he stressed that the Constitution of the Commonwealth forbids abortion which is a reflection of the people’s will.

Pastor Ernie Pinzon of the Saipan Community Church said he will support a Christian for Life Movement and wants the issue of abortion discussed on the island so that the moral aspect can be clarified further to the people.

“We have to look at this in terms of being responsible for our actions in the eyes of God, to do what is really right in terms of treating an unborn child,” he said.