In Brazil, it’s okay to talk about anything. But when the topic is the decriminalization of abortion, that is, giving a woman the right to legally terminate her pregnancy, everything changes. And usually, hypocrisy takes over.



The abortion issue dominated the debates during the last election and it’s still very fresh in everyone’s mind. The Pope went as far as sending a message specifically requesting that Brazil didn’t vote for the candidates that supported the legal interruption of pregnancy.



It’s interesting to note that only 26% of the world’s countries still consider abortion a crime. We should emphasize that these countries are in Latin America, Africa and Asia, which are usually dominated by religious, economic and political dictatorships. All of the European countries, including Italy (headquarters of the Roman church) no longer condemn women for having abortions. Portugal was the last one to make this law effective. 



Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 20 million unsafe abortions are performed annually throughout the world and approximately 70,000 women die because of these illegal procedures. There is no way of knowing how many suffer physical and psychological trauma because of these clandestine procedures. 



We are not, under any circumstances, promoting abortion, especially because we can imagine how difficult it is for any woman to make this decision. However, imagine how many carryout their own abortion at home without any assistance by using dangerous methods and illegal drugs that end up causing side effects and lead to other problems. While others seek help from ‘butchers’ who can’t give them any guarantees.



Imagine the world as huge ship and inside it there are all kinds of people. Each one has their own problems, concerns, wealth, debts, hopes and frustrations. Suddenly, without anyone noticing, they approach a large rock. Okay, you’re thinking of the Titanic, it could be … But the point is that a tragedy is about to take place. Soon, all that beauty is going sink. Water slowly begins entering the boat because no one’s noticed the hole the iceberg made. The commander, however, knows what lies ahead. The same happens with people in this world.



How many people are dying (sinking) without a chance to be saved because of the ignorance of those who should be concerned with their lives?



How does God view abortion? Surely, He’s compassionate with those who are being stoned by the hypocrites and Pharisees. Today’s religious leaders see things the same twisted way that those who almost killed the adulteress woman did in the past (John 8:1). 



Bishop Gonçalves