The reason holly that the doctors decided along with the mother of this daughter to abort was for her health. It was the opinion of the doctors that her health was at risk as she was too small and unhealthy to carry the twins to term therefore risking her own and the the unborn childrens lifes. I disagree with abortion when it's an adult who just does not want the hassle. But here we have a nine year old girl who has been raped expected to risk her own life to give birth to twins. I believe in God I feel him inside me everyday. I do not agree with the catholic church on this however. The bible teaches Judge not least you be judged. Well I'm afraid if history is anything to go by there are many in the catholic church (Not all) that have a lot to fear from gods wrath I'm sure. The reason I didn't post was because I needed to reflect first. But afer reflecting on this for 2 days I stick by my comments here. I will be posting my religious journey here soon. It is very different to most peoples experience and at the same time very familar to many. This little girls health was at risk by continuing with this birth and I believed the doctors were not abortion doctors as abortion is illegal in Brasil unless it can be shown that the mothers life is at risk. They were just doctors practicing catholics doctors at that. The doctor that carried out the abortion has said he fully intends toi go to mass on Sunday like he has every Sunday despite being excommunicated by his church.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,25146388-401,00.html?from=public_rss
Read the article then comment. How can these twins right to life be any more important than this girls right to life. Or are they all supposed to die.
Normally I would say carry the babies ... but the child is NINE. Neither her or the babies would survive. Let her have one (abortion).
Kruu, I believe in choice, so I'm against forced pregnancy, especially after what she went through. But even though she's a child, it's stlll her body, her choice. I was curious about what she wanted.
I think the problem as I see it is the excommunication. You mentioned free will of the doctors and mother to make this choice. I agree with you there. You have also clarified your comment "the church is only doing, what morally, we should expect it to do" That I can understand too. As for the "no problem, no controversy" as outside observers that comment is also true. Except for the Mother and the child. Neither of us really know how this is compounding the pain and anguish they already feel. I have seen the pain excommunication can put on some people. You and I have the knowledge and insight that allows us to seperate God and Church.
Some people see their Church as their connection to God and excommunication gives these people a true feeling of guilt and failure as they see it in the eyes of God (if thats the case here it's compounding an already horrendous situation for the mother and her daughter). It is here where I question the churches morale compass. They talk of Jesus, but seem incapable of following Jesus's example. The question that *andora* initally asked was "do the church have the moral high ground on this decision?"
*kruuyai* probably answered it best when she said "they sure shine the spotlight on the wrong stage, don't they?"
With all the things that the church could have commented on. The Archbishop in question here should maybe have allowed himself a dignified silence instead of jumping into the debate while the press was still focused on what this poor child is going through. I have no idea if he was asked to comment or just put his opinion in. That has always been the modern churches problem to a certain extent as I see it. I think he picked a very bad time and a very bad situation. I'm sure there are other women in Brazil that have had abortions for health reasons the church has never bought these into the spotlight as far as I'm aware. Or at least not enough for the whole world to find out about and comment on anyway.
*peace out*
Most of us here think the archbishop is wrong for excommunicating the mother and the doctors, and it's not hard to do with the few details we've got. So we speak out.
But isn't that what the church is doing too? They think the doctors and mother are wrong and they're speaking out, just like we're doing. And if you think excommuincation is too extreme, go re-read some of the replies above.
The church knows she's too young to deliver a baby naturally, which is why they wanted a c-section. Because of a ruling by Pope Gregory XIV in 1590, abortion is wrong after 16 weeks (an earlier Papal Bull said it was wrong at any time, he changed it). And she's four months pregnant. So the church's position is plain. They have to protest.
And the newspapers get to sell the same story a few more times. But does anyone bring up Pope Gregory XIV? That would spoil things.
Hi andora. Thanks for the link I have downloaded the free chapters to read later. Your story also truely moved me also. I should clarify (not sure why) that when I said religious journey I should have stated spiritual journey. I have no connection to any denomination that can be classified as religion. When I talk of god I do not consider god a man, but as energy.
Coming to soulcast has made me realise that my spirtual journey is ongoing (I really thought I knew it all. It's obvious I don't. How could anyone be stupid enough to think they know everything :) Your comment "I constantly attempt to change the language to one that doesn't demonize one class as a way of elevating another" is a language I need to learn I think. Thank you for your insight.