Amnesty no longer an inclusive human rights movement

Dear Editor, The recent statement from Amnesty International, as reported in the national media, seems to be calling for the legalisation of human abortion in the Irish Constitution. This is, in my view, contrary to the aims, role and missions of Amnesty i.e. to protect and support the human rights of the people, especially members of minorities in danger. I would consider unborn children to be among the most vulnerable of all human minorities.

It is generally accepted that the right to life is the primary human right. That is why only serious threats to the life of the mother can justify the termination of the life of the unviable unborn child. The scale of the violation of the right to life of unborn children must rank as one of the greatest (avoidable) human tragedies in the world of our time. This is particularly true in the so-called ‘liberal’ Western societies.

Therefore, since Amnesty International can no longer be depended on to defend the right to life of unborn children, there is an urgent need to replace it with a more inclusive human rights movement on an international and national level. As a former member and long-time supporter of Amnesty, it is with regret I come to this conclusion.

Yours etc.,

Micheál MacGréil SJ,

Westport,

Co. Mayo.