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Herald Malaysia
5 days ago
- Health
- Herald Malaysia
Korean bishops slam abortion amendment
South Korea's Catholic bishops have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the country's abortion law, warning it undermines the right to life and could normalise abortion as a 'routine medical procedure.' Aug 15, 2025 SEOUL: South Korea's Catholic bishops have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the country's abortion law, warning it undermines the right to life and could normalise abortion as a 'routine medical procedure.' In a statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK) criticised a bill introduced by Representative Nam In-soon of the Democratic Party, which seeks to revise the 'maternal and child health law.' The bishops objected to the bill's change in terminology from 'artificial intervention for abortion' to 'artificial termination of pregnancy,' saying it downplays the moral gravity of abortion and distorts public perception. The bill would legalise all forms of abortion — pharmacological and surgical — and include the procedure under the national health insurance system. The bishops warned this could significantly increase abortion rates and pose risks to women's health. They called the proposal a violation of Article 10 of the Constitution, which protects human dignity and life. While affirming women's rights, they emphasised that the fetus's right to life must also be protected and urged lawmakers to support both women and unborn children through compassionate policy. --LiCAS News
Korea Herald
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Religious leaders urge unity after court ousted Yoon Suk Yeol
Leaders representing major religions in South Korea called for unity behind a court ruling that removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for his ill-fated martial law declaration on Dec. 3. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea said politicians should work together to restore people's trust, respecting the Constitutional Court of Korea's decision Friday. 'Politicians should remember serving their people and listen to each other to cultivate better politics,' the CBCK said in a statement. The National Council of Churches in Korea, the most progressive of the four largest Protestant alliances in the country, said government officials should contain the fallout from the leadership vacuum prompted by the ruling. An early election must now be held within 60 days to elect a new leader. The United Christian Churches of Korea, another Protestant alliance, said resorting to violence would be something God would disapprove of, referring to potential violent protests following the ruling. Streets and roads near the Constitutional Court were cordoned off Friday, and nearby schools and museums were closed, as were the royal palaces, in anticipation of clashes between protesters. The Anglican Church of Korea described the ruling as a watershed moment, calling on the country 'to grow stronger while tolerant of differences.' The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said the court's decision is evidence of the fact that the Constitution and democracy are both working. The Constitutional Court, in its ruling, said using martial law while avoiding politically engaging the opposition was not democratic.
