The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is encouraging vigils of prayer to mark the 50 years since the 1967 Abortion Act was passed in Scotland, England and Wales.
“For those who have had an abortion, this anniversary year is a reminder that 50 years on ‘there is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father’” the bishops’ conference states.
Parishes are encouraged to hold vigils on 27 October, 50 years to the day that the Abortion Act received Royal Assent. The vigils, writes the Bishops’ Conference, are an opportunity for Catholics to “pray for and remember all lives lost before birth” as well as to offer practical and emotional support to women concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.
Pope Francis points out that Catholics have not done enough to support and accompany pregnant women in desperate circumstances, write the bishops adding that they hope the vigils will encourage a renewed “sense of wonder toward the gift of human life.”
Silence will be a key part of the vigil allowing for prayer and reflection. The CBCEW has given three possible readings; including a reflection on the relationship between Naomi and Ruth and the mercy of God.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales will release a statement in light of the 50th anniversary. Last week, the Bishop of Lancaster, Michael Campbell said abortion was a “foundational issue” for Catholics, in a message of encouragement to the Pro-Life movement.
“It’s a cornerstone issue for any society because it deals with the most basic human right of all –the right to life,” he said.
The bishop said that he believed overturning the Abortion Act is “achieveable,” adding that a “social conflict like abortion…is fundamental; it challenges the moral premises of a society and can often go on for decades.”
According to Government statistics, there were 190,406 abortions carried out in England and Wales in 2016, slightly lower than the five-year high seen in 2015.
Under the 1967 Abortion Act, abortions are legal in England, Wales and Scotland up until 24 weeks.
Abortions are only allowed in Northern Ireland if a woman's life is at risk or there is a permanent or serious risk to her physical or mental health.
In June, more than 50 MPs from the major parties backed a Labour-led call for Northern Irish women to have access to National Health Service (NHS) abortions in England. Previously, Northern Irish women seeking abortion could have one privately, but not on the NHS.
The Westminster move overturned a court ruling made earlier in June which rejected an appeal by a mother and daughter in their legal battle for women from Northern Ireland to receive free abortions on the NHS in England.
The cross party group of MPs, coordinated by Labour MP Stella Creasey, tabled an amendment to the Queen's Speech, calling for free abortions - a move which has been strongly criticised by pro-life groups.
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