I personally would not choose an abortion. I am a practicing Roman Catholic. But I respect the right, and support the right, that every woman can make the best for herself as a responsible person in accordance with her own conscience and values.
Marion Bryden speaking at the Morgentaler press conference,
July 20, 1984.
Dear Mrs. Bryden:
On hearing that you had stated at a recent press conference that you are a Roman Catholic and that you support abortion-on-demand and the setting up of abortion clinics in Ontario, my first reaction was anger. I wrote an “open letter” to you and submitted it to two newspapers for publication. However, on re-reading it in a calmer mood I realized that I had written in anger rather than in sorrow and so I withdrew it and decided to write in more measured language and to allow my sorrow rather than my anger dictate my words.
I should point out that the NDP calls first for repeal of the present abortion laws in the federal Criminal Code. Secondly, at the provincial level the NDP has been calling on the provincial governments to overcome the serious deficiencies in access to safe, humane and early, legal abortions throughout the whole province under our OHIP system.
Marion Bryden speaking at theMorgentaler press conference,
July 20, 1984.
I know that you attend Mass on Sundays and I believe I have given you Holy Communion on one occasion. I do not wish to doubt your subjective sincerity but I must point out that you have placed yourself in a contradictory position. Abortion is not a “Catholic issue” but a “Human issue.” The teaching authority of the Church so clearly and persistently teaches that abortion is immoral, that it is impossible to claim to be a sincere Catholic and a pro-abortionist at the same time – any more than one could have fought simultaneously for England and Nazi Germany during the last war. To be a Catholic, it is not sufficient to attend Mass on Sundays and receive Holy Communion – anyone can do that. To be a Catholic means accepting the official teaching of the Church in matters of Faith and Morals.
Women’s health centres would provide a wide range of gynaecological services including family planning information and counseling and abortions in the first trimester, where indicated.
Marion Bryden speaking at the Morgentaler press conference,
July 20, 1984.
Here are some pertinent quotes:
“The Church considers any legislation favorable to procured abortions as a very grave offence to the primary rights of mankind and to the Divine Commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill.'” (Pope John Paul II)
“Abortion, as the Vatican Council stated, is one of the abominable crimes. To attack unborn life at any moment from its conception is to undermine the whole moral order.” (Pope John Paul II)
Either the federal government must repeal the sections of the Criminal Code relating to abortion and restore it to a private personal decision based on a conscience and moral values, or it must immediately make a direct referral of the constitutional issue to the Supreme Court of Canada.
…While this referral is being heard, I would urge the Ontario government to start the initiatives in the provincial field to assure equal access to legal abortion in Ontario.
Marion Bryden speaking at the Morgentaler press conference,
July 20, 1984.
“The erosion of freedom in our civilization is most disturbing and the first of our freedoms is more than a freedom. It is a right. It is the right to life. We are called to protect it everywhere, particularly in those who cannot protect themselves.” (Cardinal Carter)
“I do not see how a Catholic in conscience could vote for an individual explicitly expressing himself or herself as favouring abortion – I don’t see how it can be justified.” (Archbishop O’Connor of New York at a TV press conference.)
So there you have it, Marion, from the Universal Pastor, from our Local Shepherd and from the head of the most important diocese in the United States. You will have to make decision – perhaps the most important of your life. You will have to leave the Catholic Church or change your position o n abortion. You can’t “have your cake and eat it too” and that is what you are now attempting to do.
Abortion is not a form of birth control. It is, in part, a sign of the failure of birth control. Efforts to provide methods of contraception which are safe for both women and men must be stepped up.
Marion Bryden speaking at the Morgentaler press conference,
July 20, 1984.
But even if the Catholic Church had never spoken on the subject there are other considerations. In the past twelve years Canada has “legally” put to death over one million Canadian babies. If the policies which you publicly support were to be implemented it would almost certainly mean double that number in the coming dozen years. Do you really believe that this would be to the benefit of Canada?
I shall pray and I ask anyone who reads this letter to pray for you, to pray that you may come to realize the terrible evil which you – as a Catholic – are supporting and that you may receive the grace and courage to change your allegiance from death to life.
Sincerely,
(Father) E. Colleton
