Ireland's Catholic bishops today welcomed the government's plan to hold a referendum on abortion next month, describing it as "an opportunity that should not be lost."
The State's 2.87 million voters will decide on March 6th whether to amend the 1937 constitution and give backing to new legislation that will tighten the current law on abortion.
The Irish Episcopal Conference said in a statement that the bishops' view was that the proposed legislation is essentially an "anti-abortion measure rather than a comprehensive pro-life amendment."
In the meantime, "Catholic voters should feel free in conscience to support this measure, even if it is viewed as less than might have been desired."
The bishops reiterated their concern that everyone eligible should vote and renewed their appeal that the weeks leading up to the vote should be a "time of special prayer for God's guidance."
AFP