Amnesty International has been accused of ‘double standards’ for backing the decriminalisation of abortion in the UK, while also calling for a “world where human rights are enjoyed by all”.
A press release issued by the group applauds the decision by the British Medical Association to campaign for abortion, for any reason, up to 28 weeks.
It also urges the UK Government to extend abortion to Northern Ireland, despite sustained opposition to such a move from the public.
Undermining Stormont
Amnesty’s website claims that it supports human rights for all and is “independent of any political ideology”.
But in a release sent out on Tuesday, the group said that the destruction of unborn life is a “right” which should be extended.
It also urged Westminster to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland “in the absence of functioning devolution”, undermining the role of Northern Ireland’s elected representatives at Stormont.
‘Double standard’
Head of Communications at The Christian Institute, Ciarán Kelly, said Amnesty cannot claim to be championing human rights while it supports abortion:
“This call highlights a shocking double standard. On the one hand, Amnesty claims to support human rights. On the other, it is calling for all the rights of the most vulnerable human beings to be taken away.
“In other parts of the world, it opposes regimes that kill innocent people. Why is it so blind to the dignity, the worth, the right to life of people in the womb?”
“Amnesty has ceased to be an impartial voice for basic human rights and become a mouth piece for the abortion industry.”
BMA
Earlier this week, delegates at the British Medical Association’s annual conference voted to back the decriminalisation of abortion for any reason, up to 28 weeks.
In Great Britain, abortions generally can take place up to 24 weeks, or up to birth if the baby is believed to be disabled.
However, an abortion can only be approved if two doctors are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that at least one of the legal grounds for it exists.
Changing the law on abortion could remove this requirement for approval by two doctors.
‘Dismay’
The group which opposed the move, Reject Motion 50, said it was “ashamed of the BMA for such a regressive move”.
Dr Peter Saunders, CEO of Christian Medical Fellowship, commented: “This decision defies common sense and will dismay thousands of ordinary doctors and nurses with their unprecedented decision.”
