“When we elect our lawmakers in America, we
influence the moral character of this nation for better or for worse. When our laws permit violence against little
babies, incidents like the Columbine High School shootings are the logical outcome
…”
Rev. Frank Pavone, National Priests
for Life
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This Catechism retains the text of the Revised Baltimore Catechism,
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Official
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France Begins Distribution of
"Morning After" Pill in Schools
Handed Out Freely by Doctors without Parental Consent
PARIS, JAN 7 (ZENIT).- Yesterday, France put into
effect a new law allowing the free distribution of the "morning-after" pill to
high school students who request it. Under the law, a girl can receive and take the pills
without her parents ever knowing what happened.
The drug that is being handed out is called "Norlevo," and is available in
France without a prescription (costing some $10-12). Now teenagers can receive the drug
free of charge from their school doctors. According to the government, this program will
reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, and hence the number of abortions, among
teenagers.
Things are not so simple, though. The drug is being touted as having the effect of
blocking ovulation, thus preventing conception. However, on the "morning-after,"
ovulation has normally already taken place, and the fertilized egg (if conception has
occured) is already making its way down to the uterus for implantation.
The real effect of Norlevo is to cause an abortion of the already conceived embryo. High
doses of estrogen, as contained in the "morning-after" pill, prevent the
implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall, causing it to be flushed out with the
uterine lining in the woman's menstrual cycle.
In this way, the distribution of the "morning-after" pill does not decrease the
number of abortions, but rather increases it. Unfortunately, public opinion in France is
in favor of the measure. Some 66% indicate that they are pleased with the decision. Only
among practicing Catholics is there a significant voice of dissent -- 51% of these oppose
the measure, according to the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica."
Religious Leaders Condemn Action The French Episcopal Conference was quick to condemn the
measure. "Unfortunately, we cannot ignore the extremely difficult situations faced by
those adolescents facing an early pregnancy... [but] we must manifest our profound
disagreement with certain government decisions, such as the free distribution of the
'morning-after' pill to adolescents."
The Bishops' statement of December 10 went on to say, "If there is a priority for our
society today, it must be the moral health of youths. This cultivation of the dream of
irresponsible behavior is destined to mislead youths, inviting them to take a path very
distinct from true education."
Protestant leaders also chimed in to dispute the decision. "Even though we cannot
close our eyes to many tragic situation, we are running the risk of making a utilitarian
administration of the means the norm. Everything that favors abortion is dangerous,"
stated the Ethics Commission of the Protestant Federation.
Jews and Moslems, too, have criticized the ruling. Grand Mufti Abdelhamid Chirane declared
very bluntly that the new policy is a "stimulus to vice."
This Page last updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2000
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